O'Reilly Senior High Student Fatally Stabbed on Campus Over Argument. An 18-year-old student, Edward Borketey Sackey, was fatally stabbed at O'Reilly Senior High School in Accra after an argument with a peer.

 

On September 2, 2024, the peaceful environment of O'Reilly Senior High School (SHS) in Accra was shattered when a final-year student, Edward, was fatally stabbed by a colleague during an altercation on the school premises. This incident has not only left the school community in shock but also raised serious concerns about student discipline, teacher intervention, and the safety of students within Ghanaian secondary schools.

This tragic occurrence has sparked a public outcry, especially from Edward’s grieving father, who has expressed his frustrations over the lack of response from the school authorities and the police. As the story unfolds, it brings into focus several issues surrounding violence in schools, the role of teachers in maintaining discipline, and the broader concern of student behavior and safety.

The Incident: A Fight Turned Fatal

According to reports, the altercation that led to Edward's death started as a heated argument between him and another student. What began as a verbal exchange soon escalated into a physical confrontation, which tragically ended when the suspect allegedly produced a sharp object and stabbed Edward three times in the chest.

Despite the quick actions of fellow students, who rushed Edward to the LEKMA hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. This tragic turn of events has not only left the family in mourning but also sparked questions about how such a violent incident could occur in what is supposed to be a safe learning environment.

Edward's father recounted the devastating timeline of events, explaining how he was informed of the altercation while at work. His niece had called him, asking him to come to the school, but even at that point, the teachers were reportedly not intervening. As he made his way to the school, another call came through, this time to inform him that his son had been stabbed and was lying on the school premises. Upon reaching the LEKMA hospital, his worst fears were confirmed – Edward had succumbed to his injuries.

“When they showed me the body, he had been stabbed three times on his chest,” the grieving father explained. He expressed deep frustration, not only over his son's death but also because neither the school authorities nor the police had contacted him regarding the incident. “The school authority has not said anything from yesterday up till now. The police have not called, the school authority has not called, even the boy who killed my son, neither the family have even reached me. That is why we are here to seek justice for my son,” he lamented.

The Role of Teachers: A Growing Concern

One of the major concerns arising from this incident is the apparent inaction of teachers and school authorities. Edward’s father questioned why no teachers intervened in the fight, especially when it was reportedly known that there was a confrontation taking place. He criticized the school for its lack of response, demanding answers as to whether teachers were present and why they failed to step in.

This concern has resonated with many members of the public, as reflected in the reactions shared online. One commenter, @Salley Arafat, wrote, "Those teachers who were present on the school premises must provide a reasonable explanation, else they must also be arrested." This sentiment is echoed by others who feel that the lack of teacher intervention has become a growing issue in many secondary schools across the country.

Another commenter, @K Kingsley Clottey, pointed out that a previous incident at O'Reilly SHS may have contributed to the teachers' reluctance to get involved. He recounted a situation where a teacher had been attacked by students after caning a colleague during prep hours. “Some of the students had to meet the teacher somewhere and beat him for caning their friend. So I’m sure the teachers have decided not to interfere in the affairs of the students anymore. It’s so sad,” he remarked. This highlights a broader issue within schools, where teachers may feel disempowered to enforce discipline, fearing retaliation from students.

A Breakdown in Discipline?

The incident at O'Reilly SHS raises a broader question about the state of discipline in Ghanaian schools. Many have noted a disturbing trend of increasing violence and indiscipline among students, with some blaming the government’s policies that have restricted teachers' ability to discipline students effectively.

One commenter, @N Nii, touched on this issue, stating, “When the government has tied the disciplinary hands of the teachers, how can they control the students?” This view reflects the frustrations of many who believe that teachers are no longer empowered to maintain order and discipline in schools. In recent years, there has been a push to move away from corporal punishment in schools, with calls for more humane and modern methods of discipline. However, this shift has left some teachers feeling like they have fewer tools at their disposal to manage student behavior, which may contribute to incidents of violence going unchecked.

The Need for Accountability and Justice

In the aftermath of Edward's death, there has been a growing demand for accountability from both the school authorities and the police. The family, still in shock, has not yet received any formal communication from the school or the police regarding the investigation or what steps are being taken to address the situation.

Edward’s father, along with many others, is calling for justice. He questioned whether the teachers were present during the altercation and why no one stepped in to prevent the tragedy. He also criticized the police for not reaching out to the family to provide updates or support during this difficult time. As tensions rise, there have been reports of police officers blocking the school gates, further fueling frustration among the family and concerned citizens.

Moving Forward: A Call for Action

This tragic incident is a wake-up call for the entire education system in Ghana. Schools are meant to be safe spaces for students to learn and grow, but incidents like this one raise serious concerns about the safety of students and the overall environment in many secondary schools.

There is an urgent need for schools to re-evaluate their policies on discipline and student safety. Teachers must be empowered to intervene in situations of conflict without fear of retaliation, and there must be clear protocols in place for handling violent altercations among students. At the same time, students must be educated on the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and respecting the authority of teachers and school staff.

Moreover, the police and school authorities must be held accountable for their role in ensuring justice for Edward and his family. The lack of communication with the family is unacceptable, and there must be a thorough investigation into how this tragedy occurred and what can be done to prevent future incidents.

In conclusion, the death of Edward at O'Reilly SHS is a painful reminder of the growing problem of violence in schools. It is essential that all stakeholders – parents, teachers, school administrators, and the government – come together to address these issues and ensure that schools remain 

safe, nurturing environments for students.