A disagreement over a schoolbag in a dormitory at Peki Senior High School in the Volta Region has reportedly turned fatal, leaving a 19-year-old final-year student dead and another student in police custody.
The deceased, identified as Joseph Tsetsekple, reportedly lost consciousness after he was allegedly pushed forcefully against a wall during a confrontation with a fellow student.
The incident, according to information gathered by Adom News on November 3, began when Joseph placed his schoolbag on a colleague’s bed.
The colleague allegedly demanded that he remove the bag, but when Joseph attempted to retrieve it, the student reportedly threw it away.
Joseph is said to have questioned why his colleague had thrown the bag instead of simply placing it on his bed, triggering an argument that subsequently escalated into a physical confrontation.
During the altercation, the colleague allegedly pushed Joseph against a wall, causing him to collapse and lose consciousness.
Reports indicate that he remained unconscious for several hours before being rushed to Peki Government Hospital, where he was pronounced dead after reportedly failing to respond to treatment.
The student suspected of involvement in the incident, whose identity has not been disclosed, has been arrested and placed in police custody to assist with investigations.
Joseph’s father, Gabriel Tsetsekple, recounted the distressing circumstances surrounding his son’s death, saying he initially received a call from a teacher informing him that Joseph had become unconscious.
He explained that Joseph and his twin sister had contacted him earlier that day to request money, which he sent to them.
After attempting unsuccessfully to reach them to confirm receipt of the money, he later received a call from a teacher who asked whether he was Joseph’s father before informing him about the incident.
Gabriel said he immediately began travelling from Nkachina in the Kpandai District of the Northern Region to the school.
However, while on his way, he received another call from the headmistress informing him that his son had died.
The Volta Regional Director of Education, Marian Jemima Akua, confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.
She attributed the tragedy to uncontrolled emotions and urged parents and guardians to teach their children how to manage anger and resolve disagreements peacefully.
She also encouraged students to report disputes to school authorities before they escalate, while calling on school management to strengthen supervision and emergency-response arrangements to prevent similar incidents.
