Eastern Regional Police Commander DCOP Owusu-Bempah has warned students of Okuapem Senior High School and Mount Sinai Senior High School against violence, mob action and attacks on police officers.
Addressing the students on September 3, he said the police would not be able to arrest an entire school but would identify and prosecute individuals who organise or lead violent acts.
“We cannot arrest the entire school, but we know the ringleaders,” he warned.
DCOP Owusu-Bempah urged students who become aware of plans to cause trouble to report such information to their school authorities before tensions escalate. He also cautioned students against refusing police directives to vacate school premises or joining groups outside the schools that encourage violence.
The commander expressed particular concern over reports of students throwing stones at police officers, stressing that attacking law enforcement officers is a criminal offence and could attract serious consequences.
He also warned students against allowing former students or other individuals to influence them into violent confrontations, urging them to take personal responsibility for their actions.
DCOP Owusu-Bempah encouraged students to channel rivalry between the schools into academic and sporting excellence rather than violence. He said students should seek recognition through achievements that would enhance the reputation of their schools and benefit society.
He stressed that the police would not plead with individuals who deliberately break the law, reminding students that criminal offences carry corresponding punishments.
The police commander urged students of both schools to make the September 3 warning a final reminder to avoid violence and focus on positive competition and academic success.