Editor of the Republic Press Newspaper, Samuel Frimpong, has called for the prosecution of students involved in violence, resulting in injuries and maiming of their colleagues at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) last Thursday.
These acts of violence which are seemingly becoming a norm on campuses around the country, have led to the loss of life and destruction of property.
“These things going on in our universities are bad and I believe all those involved in the violence should be treated as criminals and punished. This is not the first time we are seeing this, and if you can take the laws into your own hands and destroy school property and that of teachers, then prosecution must happen,” he submitted in the Editors’ Take discussion on the Happy Morning Show with Samuel Eshun.
The editor insists it is high time students are held liable for their actions rather than simply being asked to pay for damaged properties because of their actions.
“If a 17-year-old boy in Agbogloshie smashes someone’s wind screen and faces the full force of the law, students who engage in similar acts must be treated in the same manner. I think it is about time we take a long term interest in these matters and make sure they don’t happen anymore,” he added.
The violent clashes between students of the University Hall (Katanga) and Unity Hall (Continental) started late Thursday afternoon.
12 students from both halls suffered various injuries and were treated at the KNUST Hospital.
The police have also counted 12 damaged vehicles as a result of the incident.
Some students involved in the disturbances on Thursday, August 18, 2022, have been picked up to aid with investigations.