The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has been closed down indefinitely, following violent protests, Monday.

The decision was taken after a meeting between school authorities and the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC).

The Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah addressing the press after the meeting, announced that a curfew has been put in place effective 6:00pm Monday.

He added that from 6:00am to 12:00 noon Tuesday, all students “including student leaders” should vacate the campus premises.

Only foreign students are spared. According to the Minister, a single hostel which will be protected by security will be provided for them.

Meanwhile, the Education Minister is set to meet with the school authorities on Tuesday.

A statement released by the Ministry said, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh will lead a government delegation to the Kumasi-based school.

“The Ministry of Education has noted with concern developments on the campus of the KNUST in Kumasi, particularly with regard to bodily injuries and the detention of some students as well as the destruction of public property,” the statement said in part.

“The Ministry appeals for calm on all sides as a first step to resolving the difficulties,” it added.

The protest began about 8:00am Monday, with students mounting roadblocks and marching across campus in a bid to round up support and prevent their colleagues from attending lectures.

As the protest gathered momentum, the students began pelting stones at the administration block and also destroyed vehicles of university staff including that of the Dean of Students.

According to the students, they are fed up with the oppression meted out to them by the authorities.

On Friday, a planned students’ customary procession – which has lost favour with university authorities – was thwarted by campus-based security, but not without casualties.

Pictures emerged on social media over the weekend of brutalised students. According to the students, the macho security descended on them and beat them up, many of whom have been hospitalised.

A statement sighted by Joy News states that Monday morning’s demonstration was sanctioned by the Students’ Representative Council.

The school’s registrar in the video below gives more details of the violence and the extent of damage caused.