A major scandal has hit the Wa Technical Institute after police reportedly discovered large quantities of government-supplied food items—including bags clearly labeled “Free SHS – Not for Sale”—in the private residence of the school’s Domestic Bursar. The revelation comes just days after a violent student riot forced the temporary shutdown of the school.
Police Discovery After Tip-Off
The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, November 29, 2025, when plainclothes officers from the Ghana Police Service conducted a search at the Bursar’s home, located roughly 300 meters off the Inservice Road toward the Wonuo junction.
Police are said to have acted on a credible tip-off but initially met resistance. The Bursar allegedly refused to grant access to her storeroom, claiming only her husband could authorize entry. A tense standoff ensued until the husband arrived several hours later and allowed the officers inside.
Upon gaining access, police reportedly found quantities of food so large that two pickup trucks were required to transport them to the Wa Police Station for safekeeping.
Witness Allegedly Threatened
The operation turned chaotic when a bystander attempting to observe the search was reportedly attacked and threatened by members of the Bursar’s family. Witnesses claim he was warned not to speak publicly about the incident.
Items Found: Free SHS-Branded Goods Among Them
Items retrieved from the storeroom included:
-Millicent Vietnamese 5% broken rice
-Margarine buckets
-Gallons of cooking oil concealed in unmarked sacks
-Kandy Mackerel
-Onga seasoning
-Several sacks believed to contain gari and rice
-NAFCO-branded bags marked: “PRODUCE FOR NAFCO – Free SHS – STRICTLY NOT FOR SALE”
The Upper West Regional Free SHS Coordinator, Hon. Adamu Dassan, was present during the search but declined to comment.
Scandal Follows Major Student Riot
This discovery comes as the school deals with the aftermath of a destructive student riot that led to a one-week closure beginning November 23, 2025. The incident drew the attention of the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, who was in the region for a university congregation ceremony.
In a radio interview on Monday, December 1, the school’s principal, Mr. Saaka Adams, confirmed that three students had been arrested and were assisting police with investigations. He noted that the cause of the disturbance is still unclear and is being investigated by a joint committee established by the school and the Ministry of Education.
Mr. Adams stated that, as of 4:11 pm on Monday, he had not received any official communication indicating that a staff member had been implicated in the diversion of food supplies.
Possible Cause of the Riot
Sources suggest the riot may have been triggered by an altercation between students and unknown men from town. One account claims the situation escalated after an unexpected attack on the school’s Cadet Corps, leading to widespread destruction and looting.
Reportedly damaged were:
-Administration offices
-School buses
-Dormitories and classrooms
-School stores containing electronics, food items, and academic materials
Police Yet to Issue Official Statement
The Ghana Police Service has not yet released a formal statement on the alleged diversion of Free SHS supplies or possible charges against the Domestic Bursar. Stakeholders are awaiting official updates on both the riot investigation and the fate of the confiscated items.
Reported By Ahmed Abubakari Saanyuo