The Central Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has ordered the immediate suspension of all zonal inter-school sporting activities involving Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) in the region, following violent incidents during recent athletics competitions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Directorate said the decision was taken after management received credible reports of clashes and student violence during zonal sporting events.
The suspension follows an incident at the district inter-schools athletics competition in Agona Swedru on Thursday, February 19, where tensions between students of Obrachire Senior High Technical School and Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS) reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation. Videos circulating on social media show a student of Obrachire SHTS being assaulted by some SWESBUS students.
Eyewitnesses said what began as rivalry during the competition quickly degenerated into chaos, culminating in the brutal attack on the Obrachire SHTS student.
In its statement, the GES expressed deep concern over the violence, describing it as a threat to the safety of students, staff, and spectators, and a disruption of the spirit of sportsmanship.
“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 Directorate reminded school authorities that sporting activities are meant to promote discipline, teamwork, mutual respect, and healthy rivalry among students.
“It is therefore regrettable that these noble objectives have been undermined by acts of indiscipline and violence,” the statement added.
As a result, GES has directed the immediate cessation of all zonal inter-school sporting activities in the region until further notice. The temporary suspension will allow management to conduct a thorough review, engage stakeholders, and develop strategies to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
Heads of SHSs and SHTSs in the Central Region have been instructed to suspend all planned or scheduled zonal athletics competitions, inform students and staff, and ensure strict compliance.
“Please note that this directive takes immediate effect and must be adhered to without exception,” the letter emphasised.
The Directorate assured that it remains committed to restoring sporting activities under conditions that guarantee safety, discipline, and the true spirit of healthy competition.
 has ordered the immediate suspension of all zonal inter-school sporting activities involving Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) in the region, following violent incidents during recent athletics competitions.){kind=link}