16-Year-Old OKESS Student Arrested for Possessing Locally Made Firearm

A 16-year-old student of the Adventist Senior High School (OKESS) in Bantama, Kumasi, has been arrested after a shooting incident on campus involving a locally manufactured firearm.

According to reports, the student brought the homemade pistol—loaded with BB ammunition—to school on April 4, 2025. While attempting to show the weapon to a classmate, it accidentally discharged, injuring another student in the process.

The injured student was taken to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he is receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

During police investigations, the suspect confessed to taking the firearm from his father’s bedroom without consent. Authorities have since retrieved the weapon and are looking to question the father as part of the ongoing investigation.

School officials acted quickly by reporting the incident to the police. Preliminary information suggests the gun discharged when a classmate tried to deflect it, possibly after the suspect pointed it at them during a break.

The incident has sparked concerns about firearm access among minors and safety within schools. Police say investigations are still underway.