Basic schools in the Barniekrom community are empty after a shooting incident claimed the lives of three individuals.

Residents and opinion leaders in Barniekrom in the Ahafo Ano Southwest District of the Ashanti Region have called for police protection following the tragic shooting.

The victims, youths from a nearby community, were allegedly shot by a local fetish priest who claimed they were part of a group attempting to attack him.

The incident occurred in a secluded area of Barniekrom near the residence of the suspect, Osman Majeed, a fetish priest.

The scene of the shooting, near God is One Preparatory School, saw a significant decrease in attendance, with only 30 out of more than 100 pupils showing up for classes.

At Barniekrom D/A Basic School, classrooms were notably sparsely populated, with a few students seated in the subdued and tense atmosphere.

In an interview with JoyNews on July 4, a resident mentioned that primary school children are reluctant to attend that specific school because they heard gunshots and witnessed flames from a motorcycle.

“So, we went there yesterday [Wednesday], in the morning, we pleaded with the proprietor that he should close down the school for three days at least so that we do not know what may happen, so he also agreed with us and he has done that".

The resident reported that while they were expecting over 100 students, fewer than 30 were present during their visit on July 3.

He expressed concern over the absence of police in the community to ensure security.