Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Owusu-Bempah, has issued a strong warning to students of Okuapeman Senior High School and Mount Sinai Senior High School against attacking police officers during clashes or periods of unrest.
He cautioned students against throwing stones at officers, stressing that such conduct constitutes a criminal offence and could lead to a forceful response from the police.
Addressing students on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, DCOP Owusu-Bempah said students would not be exempt from the law simply because they were minors or members of a school community.
He warned that students who refuse police orders to leave an area, join groups causing trouble in town or attack officers could be treated as criminals.
“And if they give the order for you to vacate the school and you decide not to vacate, or you vacate and decide to link up with some miscreants in town, those hoodlums who have been urging you to misbehave, we will look for you and treat you like a common criminal,” he said.
The police commander was particularly concerned about reports that some students had been throwing stones at police officers during confrontations.
He reminded them that attacking a police officer was a criminal offence and said officers had the right to protect themselves using lawful means.
“And those of you who have been throwing and pelting policemen with stones, an attack on a policeman is a criminal offence,” he stated.
DCOP Owusu-Bempah then delivered a blunt warning about the possible consequences of such actions.
He said students should not assume that police officers would simply tolerate being attacked because those involved were students.
“So, don’t say that because you are a student, you can just throw stones and hurl them at somebody’s father or mother. They will fire at you and break as many legs as they could, and nothing will happen to anyone,” he warned.
He also criticised students who may have been involved in attacks on school authorities or the destruction of public property.
The commander urged them to consider the long-term consequences of their actions, reminding them that the school had continued operating because previous generations had protected it.
He said students should focus on acquiring an education and preparing themselves to contribute positively to society rather than engaging in violent confrontations.
The warning follows violent disturbances involving Okuapeman SHS and Mount Sinai Senior High School in the early hours of Wednesday.
The clashes reportedly left six students of Okuapeman SHS injured, while several school facilities were damaged or destroyed.
Among the structures reportedly affected were classrooms, a Visual Arts studio and teachers’ offices, which were set ablaze during the disturbances.
The exact cause of the initial confrontation remains unclear, but the subsequent clashes resulted in injuries and significant property damage.
Authorities have since been working to restore calm in the affected schools and prevent further escalation.
The police commander’s message was aimed at discouraging students from taking part in further violence and reminding them that attacks on security officers or destruction of public property could attract serious consequences.
