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) in the region following violent incidents during recent competitions.
In a statement released on Sunday, February 22, 2026, the directorate said the decision was prompted by credible reports of clashes and violent behaviour among students during zonal athletics competitions.
Videos from the incidents show students from the Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS) attacking a student of Obrachire Senior High Technical School during the district inter-schools athletics competition. The confrontation reportedly occurred in Agona Swedru on Thursday, February 19, when tensions between the two schools escalated into physical violence.
Eyewitnesses indicated that what began as a sporting rivalry quickly turned into clashes, culminating in the brutal assault of the Obrachire SHTS student.
The GES statement expressed deep concern over the situation, 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.”
It reminded school heads that sports activities are meant to encourage 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 statement added.
To safeguard lives, maintain order, and protect the integrity of school sports, Management has directed the immediate halt of all zonal inter-school sporting events until further notice.
The temporary suspension, GES explained, will allow Management to conduct a thorough review, consult relevant stakeholders, and develop strategies to prevent future incidents.
Heads of SHSs and SHTSs have been instructed to suspend all planned or scheduled zonal athletics competitions, inform staff, students, and other stakeholders, and ensure strict compliance. “Please note that this directive takes immediate effect and must be adhered to without exception,” the statement emphasised.
The Directorate assured the public that it remains committed to restoring sporting activities under conditions that guarantee safety, discipline, and the true spirit of healthy competition.
