Dendo Primary School in the South Tongu District has been temporarily closed after an unusual black substance was discovered at the entrance of the headteacher’s office on Wednesday, September 18.

The South Tongu Municipal Education Directorate, in consultation with community leaders, ordered the closure to ensure the safety of pupils and staff while investigations and traditional cleansing rituals are carried out.

Assembly Member for the Dendo Electoral Area confirmed the decision, describing it as precautionary. “We agreed with the Education Directorate to close the school so everyone will feel safe.

The community is also preparing to perform traditional rites to cleanse the compound,” he said.

The incident has raised anxiety among parents and reignited debates about security in schools. The Municipal Director of Education expressed concern over similar past cases and called for stronger community involvement in safeguarding learning environments.

“We need the support of residents. Setting up a watchdog group is one option that can help prevent such happenings,” he noted.

Authorities also indicated that the headteacher may be transferred following tensions with some locals. The school is expected to reopen next week once the cleansing rituals are completed.

For many in the community, the incident underscores not only concerns about the substance but also the need to restore trust and safety in a school that serves as a second home to hundreds of children.