The Central Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the immediate suspension of all zonal inter-school sporting activities among Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) in the region following violent incidents during recent competitions.
The regional directorate, in a statement on Sunday, February 22, 2026, said the decision was taken after Management received credible reports of violence and clashes among students during recent zonal athletics competitions.
Videos of the clash show an attack on a student of Obrachire Senior High Technical School by some students of the Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS) during the district inter-schools athletics competition.
The incident is reported to have taken place in Agona Swedru on Thursday, February 19, when tensions between students of the two participating schools escalated into a physical confrontation.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that what began as a rivalry during the sporting event quickly degenerated into clashes, resulting in the brutal assault of the Obrachire SHTS student.
The GES letter expressed deep concern over the developments, noting that the incidents had disrupted the spirit of healthy competition and posed serious threats to the safety and well-being of students, staff, and spectators.
“These unfortunate occurrences have not only disrupted the spirit of healthy competition but have also posed serious threats to the safety and well-being of students, staff, and spectators,” the statement said.
It reminded heads of schools that sporting activities were intended to promote discipline, teamwork, mutual respect, and healthy rivalry.
“It is therefore regrettable that these noble objectives have been undermined by acts of indiscipline and violence,” it added.
The Directorate stated that in the interest of safeguarding lives, maintaining order, and preserving the integrity of school sports, Management had directed the immediate cessation of all zonal inter-school sporting activities until further notice.
According to the letter, the temporary measure would enable Management to undertake a thorough review of the situation, engage relevant stakeholders, and develop appropriate strategies and preventive mechanisms to forestall any recurrence of violence.
Heads of SHSs and SHTSs have been requested to immediately suspend all planned or scheduled zonal inter-school athletics competitions, communicate the directive to staff, students and relevant stakeholders, and ensure strict compliance within their respective institutions.
“Please note that this directive takes immediate effect and must be adhered to without exception,” the letter emphasised.
The Directorate assured that it remained committed to restoring sporting activities under conditions that would guarantee safety, discipline and the true spirit of healthy competition.
