Education Ministry orders GES probe into viral student violence in Swedru

The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has condemned what he described as disturbing acts of violence captured in viral videos circulating on social media, involving students from two senior high schools in the Central Region.

The widely shared footage, which surfaced over the weekend, shows students physically assaulting one another in separate incidents. The videos have since triggered public outrage and renewed concerns about discipline and safety in second-cycle institutions.

The incidents come at a time when national conversations around indiscipline in schools remain heightened, following previous reports of student unrest and clashes in parts of the country. Education stakeholders have, in recent months, called for stricter enforcement of school regulations and strengthened guidance and counselling systems.

In a statement, Clement Apaak said preliminary information available to the Ministry indicates that the students involved are from two schools in the Central Region.

“The Director-General of GES has since been directed to investigate the matter,” he stated.

According to him, the Director-General is expected to meet the Central Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), the relevant district directors within whose jurisdiction the schools are located, as well as the heads of the affected schools.

The meeting is scheduled for 10:00 am on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the GES headquarters in Accra.

Clement Apaak stressed that the Ministry is treating the issue with urgency and seriousness.

“Even as we await the report from the Director-General of GES, let me state that as the Minister for Education, I take a very serious view of these acts of violence,” he said, warning that those found culpable will face strict disciplinary measures.

“Consequently, the culprits and perpetrators can expect the most severe sanctions,” the Deputy Minister cautioned.

The Ministry says further updates will be provided after the investigative report is submitted.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has also announced that it has commenced investigations into the matter.

Find the statement below…

The Ministry of Education condemns, in the strongest terms, the acts of violence captured in the viral videos attached. Initial information indicates that the students captured in the videos are from two schools in the Central Region.

The Director General of GES has since been directed to investigate the matter. Accordingly, he will meet with the Central Regional Director of GES, the district directors of GES in whose jurisdictions the schools are located, and the heads of the said schools, this morning, at 10 am [23rd February 2026] at the GES headquarters in Accra.

Even as we await the report from the Director General of the GES, let me state that the Minister for Education and I take a very serious view of these acts of violence. Consequently, the culprits and perpetrators can expect the most severe sanctions.

Signed.

Dr. Clement Abas Apaak (MP)

Deputy Minister for Education

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