Four Kumasi Academy students arrested over alleged arson threats

Four students of Kumasi Academy writing the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) have been arrested for allegedly threatening to burn down the school after their examinations over a controversial “quarantine” arrangement introduced by management.

The students were reportedly picked up by the Asokore Police Command after allegedly threatening arson following complaints about being isolated from their colleagues during the examinations.

According to a report by adomonline.com on June 3, 2026, the four students are among about 60 WASSCE candidates who have been writing their examinations in separate rooms since the start of the exams under what school authorities describe as a ‘quarantine’ system.

The arrangement was introduced to monitor students accused of repeated absenteeism, refusal to write internal examinations, and allegedly intimidating academically prepared colleagues.

Parents of the affected candidates had criticised the arrangement, describing the atmosphere as ‘tense and hostile’ and warning that it could negatively affect students already under pressure from examinations.

However, the Ghana Education Service Directorate in the Asokore Mampong Municipality has defended the measure, insisting it was necessary to maintain discipline and protect the integrity of the examinations.

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Speaking after a visit to the examination centre, Municipal Director of Education, Samson Anawine Atogembero, said the students placed under the arrangement had repeatedly failed to comply with school rules.

“Those who are under quarantine are simply those who decided not to follow school rules by not writing semester or mock exams, not being regular in class, and engaging in various forms of indiscipline. And let me clarify, when we say they are under quarantine, it is a normal process,” he explained.

Atogembero stressed that the affected students were not being treated unfairly, noting that they were writing their examinations under normal invigilation.

“They are our candidates, so we cannot treat them differently. However, if we allow them to sit with other students who were regular throughout the semester, they may be disruptive and could even attempt to copy from their colleagues. This could lead to examination malpractice, and when they are caught, innocent students would be affected, which we do not want to tolerate,” he indicated.

He further dismissed concerns that the students had been denied academic support in the dormitories, explaining that the arrangement was temporary and aimed at encouraging discipline among students.

Meanwhile, the four candidates who allegedly threatened to burn down the school have been released to continue their examinations after they and their parents signed a bond to refrain from such conduct.

Atogembero warned SHS candidates in the municipality against destructive behaviour after examinations, cautioning that offenders would face the full rigours of the law.

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