Basic education in the Banda Ahenkro District of the Brong Ahafo Region, has been brought to a halt amidst threats on the lives non-indigenes in the community, which includes teachers in 40 basic schools in the area.
The threats emanated from an unidentified group in the area which is fiercely opposed to all government workers who are not natives of the district.
In a letter and posters scattered around the community, the group explained that the threats stemmed from their frustration at non-indigenes taking over jobs and lands in the town, and warned the non-indigenes working in the area to leave if they valued their lives.
The Headmaster of the Banda RC Basic School, Jones Agyeman, confirmed to Citi News’ Kojo Agyeman that the closure of the schools followed the threats, as well as an order from the Ghana Education Service (GES).
The headmaster said the threatening letters were forwarded to their directors and “they gave us the ultimatum saying those who feel they are not secure can leave and another came from the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service saying we should all leave the place and close down all the schools in the district.”
“We also complied with what the Director General said, and we had to leave the place with immediate effect. Also, GNAT also gave us the order to the leave the town with immediate effect. That is why all the people are fleeing from the place.”
Police ramp up patrols
Meanwhile, the Wenchi Divisional Police Commander, ACP Sebastian Atsu Wemegah, said police personnel have been deployed to Banda Ahenkro to avert any possible attacks.
“I went there with my team and we assessed the ground. We have the police on the ground and we have even reinforced the police, both day and night patrols, and we have put in the plain clothes people to gather intelligence for us… We have asked that they enforce the day and night patrols effectively so that the so-called strangers can be reassured and have confidence in the security.”
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