Phone is a ‘biggest’ threat to security, learning in SHSs – EduWatch
The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch (EduWatch), Mr Kofi Asare, says mobile phone usage is the biggest threat to security, learning, and discipline in government second-cycle schools across the country.
“The situation took a violent turn when Hafis allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Lincoln in the rib and stomach area.” As I keep saying, the mobile phone is the biggest threat to security, learning, and discipline in secondary schools,” he said.
His comment follows the stabbing of a final year student of Wa T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School, Iddrisu Ibrahim, known as Lincoln, by his friend Hafis, also known by the nickname Baayaawa, over a mobile phone dispute.
A media report states that Lincoln, a final-year Agricultural Science student from Bulenga, reportedly recorded a video of Hafis without his consent. Hafis, a Year 3 General Arts student from Bawku, confronted Lincoln and demanded that the video be deleted.
When Lincoln allegedly refused to comply, Hafis is said to have threatened to stab him. Witnesses claimed Lincoln dismissed the threat and challenged Hafis to act on it.
The situation escalated when Hafis, popularly known as Baayaawa on the Wa T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School campus, allegedly pulled a knife and stabbed Lincoln in the rib and stomach.
Following the attack, Hafis attempted to flee, but the incident quickly spread across campus. Some prospective students reportedly mobilised for retaliation, but police arrived swiftly to restore order.
A female student of the Wa T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School, who witnessed the incident, said, “When Lincoln came out, the knife was still stuck in him. Some students removed it before rushing him to the hospital.”
Iddrisu Ibrahim, also known as Lincoln, is currently receiving treatment at the Wa Regional Hospital. Medical staff have described his condition as critical but stable.
Police investigations are ongoing. School authorities have not yet released an official statement, but security presence on campus has been significantly increased to forestall any further disturbances.
In a related development, there was a violent clash between Frafra and Kusasi students of Zuarungu Senior High School on Sunday, July 20, 2025, over the alleged theft of a mobile phone on campus.
The incident escalated into a full-scale brawl, leading to the burning of some structures on campus and heightened tensions throughout the school, prompting the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, to order the immediate closure of Zuarungu school until further notice.
The Police have arrested four students in connection with the incident. However, one suspect reportedly escaped while being transported to the station, allegedly seizing a police officer’s magazine during the escape.
In response to potential reprisal attacks, security personnel, including the military and police, have escorted students from Bawku back to their hometown under tight protection.
Regional authorities say efforts are underway to restore calm and ensure the safety of students; however, investigations into the clashes are ongoing.
