OKESS Student and Stepfather Granted GHC80,000 Bail in Firearm Possession Case
A student of Opoku Ware School (OKESS) and his stepfather have been granted bail in the sum of GHC80,000 each by the Asokore Mampong District Court, following their arrest for unlawful possession of a firearm discovered during a dormitory search on campus.
Kumasi, Ghana – Top Knowledge Media | Crime & Education Desk
The Asokore Mampong District Court has granted GHC80,000 bail each to a student of Opoku Ware School (OKESS) and his stepfather, who were arrested and charged in connection with the unlawful possession of a firearm found during a dormitory search.
The incident, which shocked the school and wider Kumasi community, occurred when school authorities discovered a pistol concealed in the student’s belongings during a routine inspection. The matter was immediately reported to the police, leading to the student's arrest.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the boy’s stepfather, who reportedly admitted to owning the weapon but failed to provide valid authorization for its possession. He claimed the firearm was for personal protection and had been unknowingly transported to the school in the student’s luggage.
Both suspects appeared before the court on Wednesday, where they were formally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. Lawyers representing the accused pleaded for bail, assuring the court of their willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Presiding Judge His Worship Samuel Buabin Quansah granted them bail in the sum of GHC80,000 with two sureties each, citing the absence of prior criminal records and the need to preserve the right to fair trial.
The case has been adjourned to June 18, 2025, pending further investigation and the possible presentation of a license for the weapon in question.
School Community Reacts
The incident has raised concerns among parents and school authorities, with many calling for stricter security protocols and mental health assessments within boarding institutions.
A representative of the Ghana Education Service (GES) in the Ashanti Region confirmed that a full internal inquiry has begun and that counseling services are being offered to affected students.
“We take this matter very seriously. The safety of students remains our top priority,” the GES spokesperson said.
This case has also reignited public debate over firearm access and juvenile safety in educational institutions.
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