GES suspends inter-schools sports in Central Region over violent clashes

The Central Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has ordered the immediate suspension of all zonal inter-school sporting activities among Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) following violent incidents during recent competitions.

In a directive issued on Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Regional Director of Education, Mrs Juliette Dufie Otami, said the decision was taken after Management received credible reports of serious clashes among students during zonal athletics events.

“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 noted.

The development follows widely circulated videos showing an attack on a student of Obrachire Senior High Technical School, allegedly by students of Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS), during a district inter-schools athletics competition held in Agona Swedru on Thursday, February 19.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that tensions between students of the two schools escalated during the event, resulting in a physical confrontation and the assault of the Obrachire SHTS student.

Expressing concern over the situation, the Directorate reminded school heads that sporting activities are 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,” the letter added.

In the interest of safeguarding lives and maintaining order, Management directed the immediate cessation of all zonal inter-school sporting activities in the region until further notice.

According to the Directorate, the temporary suspension will allow authorities to conduct a thorough review of the situation, engage relevant stakeholders and put in place preventive measures to forestall any recurrence.

Heads of SHSs and SHTSs have been instructed to suspend all planned or scheduled zonal competitions, promptly communicate the directive to staff and students, and ensure strict compliance.

“Please note that this directive takes immediate effect and must be adhered to without exception,” the statement emphasised.

The Regional Directorate assured stakeholders that it remains committed to restoring sporting activities under conditions that guarantee safety, discipline and the true spirit of competition.