I stand with you in solidarity – Dr. Okoe-Boye commiserates with family of slain O’Reilly SHS student

The Minister of Health and Parliamentary Candidate for the New Patriotic Party in the Ledzokuku constituency, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, has expressed profound grief over the tragic passing of Edward Borketey Sackey, an 18-year-old final-year General Arts student at the O'Reilly Senior High School in Accra.

In a Facebook post, Dr. Okoe Boye conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and the O'Reilly community.

"This is a heartbreaking moment for Edward’s parents, for his family, and for the entire O'Reilly community. I extend our deepest condolences to all who are grappling with this unimaginable pain," the health minister wrote.

He also called on school authorities and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student's death.

"I trust the school authorities and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to cooperate and assist with the ongoing investigation. I have every confidence that the investigation will be conducted with the care, sensitivity, and thoroughness that it demands," he said, expressing hope that the findings would lead to meaningful action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Dr. Okoe Boye emphasised the need for unity and compassion in the wake of the tragedy.

"As a public servant, a member of this community, and a parent, I stand with you in solidarity. Now, more than ever, we must come together, reflect on our shared humanity, and embrace the values of compassion and understanding in all our interactions," he urged.

He concluded by paying tribute to Edward's memory stating: "May Edward’s soul rest in perfect peace, and may his memory serve as a constant reminder of our collective responsibility to protect our children and safeguard our schools."

Meanwhile, the La District Court has remanded an 18-year-old suspect, Godwin, into police custody for two weeks in connection with the fatal stabbing of the deceased.

The suspect, charged with murder, was arrested on Tuesday, 3 September, a day after the incident and made his first court appearance on Thursday, 5 September 2024.

The incident occurred on Monday, 2 September, on the school premises, shortly after Edward completed an exam.

According to witnesses, the dispute allegedly escalated over a heated argument about whose father was wealthier, culminating in Godwin allegedly stabbing Edward three times in the chest.

A cousin of the deceased, who witnessed the incident, said: “The fight resulted from an altercation over an issue."

Edward was however was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

The suspect is set to reappear in court on Thursday, 19 September 2024, as the investigation continues.