The quiet of a typical Wednesday morning at Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) was shattered on May 14, 2025, when a 16-year-old Form Two student was discovered to be in possession of a locally manufactured firearm. The incident has sent ripples of concern through the community, igniting conversations about school safety and the potential for young people to gain access to weapons. The Ashanti Regional Police Command is actively investigating the matter, seeking to understand how the student came to possess the gun and what his intentions were. This blog post will provide a factual account of the incident, piecing together information released by authorities and offering context for concerned parents and community members who are understandably anxious about the safety of their children.

The arrest of the school student arrested with gun has placed the spotlight on the security measures in place at OKESS and other schools in the region, prompting a re-evaluation of current protocols.

The discovery of the firearm occurred during a routine dormitory inspection conducted by school authorities in collaboration with the Tafo Pankrono Divisional Police Command. At approximately 9:30 a.m., as officers and school officials moved through the dormitories, they uncovered the weapon hidden among the student’s belongings. This prompted immediate action; the student was promptly taken into custody and handed over to the police for further questioning.

The school’s swift response underscores its commitment to maintaining a secure and safe learning environment for all students. By working in tandem with law enforcement, the school administration demonstrated a zero-tolerance approach to weapons on campus.

During the subsequent police interrogation, the 16-year-old student made a startling claim: he alleged that the firearm belonged to his stepfather, Mr. Daniel Owusu Baafi. This allegation became a central focus of the police investigation, leading them to quickly broaden their scope beyond the school grounds.

Acting on the information provided by the student, police officers arrested Mr. Baafi on Thursday, May 15, 2025. This arrest underscores the seriousness with which the police are treating the incident. The authorities are pursuing every lead to determine the full circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm and to ensure that all those involved are held accountable.

As of the latest update, both the student and Mr. Baafi have been granted police enquiry bail. They are required to report back to the authorities on Monday, May 19, 2025, as the investigation continues. This measure allows the police to gather further information and to ensure the ongoing cooperation of both individuals.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Godwin Ahianyo, Head of Public Affairs for the Ashanti Regional Police Command, confirmed the details of the incident in a statement released on Sunday, May 18. DSP Ahianyo’s confirmation provides an official account of the events and underscores the commitment of the police to transparency and accountability.

“The Ashanti Regional Police Command is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness,” DSP Ahianyo stated. “Our investigation is ongoing, and we are committed to uncovering all the facts and ensuring the safety and security of our schools.”

The arrest of the 16-year-old OKESS student with a locally manufactured firearm serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing schools and communities in ensuring the safety and well-being of young people. The incident has raised critical questions about access to weapons, the role of parents and guardians, and the effectiveness of current security measures. As the police investigation continues, it is crucial for parents, educators, and community members to remain vigilant and to work together to create a safer environment for all students.

The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings will be closely monitored. The community awaits further updates from the Ashanti Regional Police Command as they work to uncover the full details of this troubling incident.