The Ghana Education Service GES) has mandated the immediate halt of all zonal inter-school sporting events among Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools in the Central Region due to reports of violence at recent competitions.
In a letter dated February 22 and issued by the Central Regional Education Directorate, the Service indicated that it had received credible reports of significant clashes among students during zonal athletics events, raising concerns regarding the safety of students, staff, and spectators.
The directive, signed by the Central Regional Director of Education, Juliette Dubie Otami, noted that these incidents had disrupted the spirit of healthy competition and undermined the fundamental values of discipline, teamwork, and mutual respect that school sports are meant to promote.
Management clarified that the temporary suspension was essential to protect lives, maintain order, and uphold the integrity of school sporting activities while a thorough review is conducted in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Heads of second-cycle institutions have been directed to immediately suspend all planned or scheduled zonal athletics competitions, communicate the directive to students and staff, and ensure strict adherence within their respective schools.
The suspension took immediate effect and will remain in place until further notice. The Service assured that measures are being implemented to restore sporting activities under conditions that ensure safety, discipline, and the true spirit of competition.
This directive follows a violent incident that disrupted the District Schools Athletics Games in Agona Swedru on February 19, which is currently under investigation by the Ghana Police Service.
What began as a showcase of athletic talent reportedly devolved into chaos after tensions escalated between students of Obrachire Senior High Technical School and Swedru School of Business, commonly referred to as SWESBUS.
During the altercation, a student from Obrachire was purportedly assaulted by a group of fellow students. He was said to have been hit with sticks and bombarded with stones until bystanders stepped in.
The wounded student was subsequently transported to a medical facility for care.
Footage of the incident circulated widely on social media, prompting a police response. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the Ghana Police Service said investigations are ongoing to bring the perpetrators to book.
Read the full statement below
