The Ghana Education Service (GES) Central Regional Directorate has ordered an immediate suspension of all zonal inter-school sporting events among Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) following violent incidents during recent competitions.
The decision comes after reports of student clashes, including a widely circulated video showing a student from Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS) physically assaulting a peer from Obrachire Senior High Technical School during a district athletics meet in Agona Swedru on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Eyewitnesses noted that a sporting rivalry quickly escalated into violent confrontations.
In a statement released on Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Central Regional Directorate expressed deep concern over the disruption of healthy competition and the threats posed to the safety of students, staff, and spectators. It reminded school authorities that sports are meant to promote discipline, teamwork, and mutual respect, rather than violence.
“Regrettably, these noble objectives have been undermined by acts of indiscipline,” the statement read.
GES said the suspension would allow time for a thorough review of current sports management practices, consultation with relevant stakeholders, and the development of strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
School heads have been directed to halt all planned zonal athletics events immediately, inform students and staff of the suspension, and ensure strict compliance. The Directorate assured the public that sporting activities will resume under conditions that prioritize safety, discipline, and the true spirit of competition.
