The Central Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has suspended all zonal inter-school sporting activities involving Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) following recent violent disturbances recorded during athletics competitions.
In a statement issued on February 22, 2026, the Directorate indicated that the decision was prompted by credible reports of student clashes at several recent zonal events.
A widely circulated video showed a disturbing assault on a student of Obrachire Senior High Technical School during a district-level athletics competition held on February 19 in Agona Swedru. The event involved students from the Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS).
Eyewitness accounts suggest that tensions which initially surfaced during the competition escalated into a physical confrontation, ultimately resulting in the attack.
The Directorate expressed grave concern over the incidents, stating that the disturbances had not only undermined the core objectives of school sports but also posed significant risks to students, staff, and spectators.
According to GES, inter-school sporting competitions are intended to cultivate discipline, teamwork, mutual respect, and healthy rivalry among students. The recent developments, however, run contrary to these values.
To safeguard lives and restore order, GES Management has directed the immediate suspension of all zonal inter-school athletics activities across the region until further notice.
The statement explained that the temporary suspension would allow for a comprehensive review of the situation and enable consultations with relevant stakeholders to develop preventive strategies aimed at averting future occurrences.
Heads of SHSs and SHTSs throughout the Central Region have consequently been instructed to halt all scheduled competitions, duly inform students and staff, and ensure strict adherence to the directive.
“Please note that this directive takes immediate effect and must be adhered to without exception,” the letter emphasised.
The Directorate further assured the public of its unwavering commitment to reinstating sporting activities once adequate safety measures have been implemented to protect lives and preserve the integrity and spirit of school sports.
