Parents of 24 final-year students of Ghanata Senior High School in Dodowa have agreed to pay GH¢5,200 to a food vendor in an out-of-court settlement following allegations that the students stole food items from his shop on the school campus.

The agreement was reached after discussions involving the parents, the complainant and the police.

The students, who are currently sitting the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), were arrested by the Dodowa Divisional Police Command on Friday, June 12, following a complaint by the vendor, Mr Asare Emmanuel Orlando.

The complaint stemmed from the alleged theft of fried rice and other items from the vendor's shop located on the school premises.

The students spent a night in police custody before being granted bail on Saturday, June 13.

According to the parents, they were required to provide GH¢8,000 and sign a GH¢50,000 bail bond to secure the students' release.

Following their release, both parties engaged in further discussions to resolve the matter without resorting to prolonged legal proceedings that could affect the students' examinations.

Under the agreement, the parents will collectively pay GH¢5,200 to compensate the vendor for the alleged losses.

Speaking to JoyNews' Collins Frimpong, a representative of the parents, Joseph Ankamah, confirmed the settlement and thanked those who helped facilitate the resolution.

He said the parents were pleased that the students had regained their freedom and would be able to continue their examinations.

Mr Ankamah also appealed to the public to be measured in their comments, noting that the students are young people whose future prospects should not be defined by a single incident.

The case has sparked public discussion about discipline in senior high schools and the challenges students face during examination periods.

As of now, the police have not publicly indicated whether the complaint will be formally withdrawn following the settlement.