What started as an ordinary school day turned into chaos at the Adventist Senior High School (Adventist SHS) in Bantama, Kumasi, when a 16-year-old student pulled a locally manufactured pistol from his school bag and accidentally shot a female classmate during break time.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched an official investigation.
According to a press release signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Godwin Ahianyo, “The Ashanti Regional Police Command has initiated an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred at the Adventist Senior High School on Friday, April 4, 2025 at about 12pm.”
The Weapon
Preliminary police investigations reveal that the second-year student, whose name is withheld due to his juvenile status, brought a pistol loaded with one BB ammunition to school.
“The student allegedly attempted to show the firearm to his classmate. During the exchange, the firearm accidentally discharged, hitting another student,” the statement disclosed.
The injured student, later identified as Suzzy Pinamang, also a Form 2 student in class 2A10, was immediately rushed to the Kwadaso SDA Hospital before being referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
Authorities confirm she is currently in stable condition.
Student In Hiding
A report filed by the school’s headmistress, Ms. Grace Kafui Ayi, provides additional insight into the background of the suspect.
According to her, the shooter, identified as Bernard Amoabeng, had taken official leave (exeat) on March 18, 2025, for medical treatment but failed to return on the scheduled date of March 20.
“Bernard Amoabeng of 2A10 took exeat home on March 18, 2025 at 5:30pm to Kronum on the purpose of medical treatment and was to return back to school on March 20, 2025,” the headmistress noted in her report.
However, Bernard reappeared days later without formally checking in or reporting to his housemaster—a direct violation of boarding school regulations.
The shooting occurred around 9:30am, during the school’s first break. Eyewitnesses say Bernard had been attempting to intimidate a classmate, Samuel Manu, when things escalated.
“He pointed the gun at him (Samuel Manu). Samuel out of fear hit the gun to other direction and it triggered and hit the face of Suzzy Pinamang (2A10),” Ms. Ayi’s report explained.
Police Recover Weapon
The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident. Police also recovered an empty cartridge, which has been retained as evidence.
During interrogation, the student told officers that he had taken the weapon from his father’s bedroom without his knowledge.
DSP Godwin Ahianyo confirmed this development in the press release: “Authorities are actively working to locate and arrest the father to assist with the investigation.”
The suspect is currently in police custody, and the case has raised alarming concerns about student safety, parental supervision, and the presence of unregistered weapons in homes.
School Reacts
The administration of Adventist SHS has vowed to closely monitor the unfolding investigation.
“We will give the status of the issue on Monday for onward scrutiny,” Ms. Ayi assured, as teachers and students alike remain shaken by the traumatic event.
-BY Issah Olegor
