The Ghana Education Service has suspended all zonal inter-school sporting activities in the Central Region with immediate effect after violent clashes broke out during recent competitions, raising serious safety concerns.
In a directive issued on February 22, the Central Regional Education Directorate said it received credible reports of serious altercations among students during zonal athletics events, compromising the safety of participants, staff and spectators.
“The incidents have disrupted the spirit of healthy competition and undermined the core values of discipline, teamwork and mutual respect that school sports are intended to promote,” the statement signed by Regional Director of Education Juliette Dubie Otami said.
The temporary suspension, according to management, is necessary to safeguard lives, maintain order and preserve the integrity of school sporting activities while a comprehensive review is undertaken with relevant stakeholders.
Schools ordered to comply immediately
Heads of second-cycle institutions have been directed to suspend all planned or scheduled zonal athletics competitions with immediate effect, communicate the decision to students and staff, and ensure strict compliance within their schools.
The suspension will remain in force until further notice. The Service assured that steps are being taken to restore sporting activities under conditions that guarantee safety, discipline and the true spirit of competition.
Police investigation underway
The directive follows a violent incident that disrupted the District Schools Athletics Games in Agona Swedru on February 19, which is now under police investigation.
Tensions reportedly escalated between students of Obrachire Senior High Technical School and Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS), turning what began as an athletic competition into chaos.
During the confrontation, a student from Obrachire was allegedly attacked by a group of students, struck with sticks and pelted with stones before bystanders intervened. The injured student was later taken to a health facility for treatment.
Footage of the incident circulating on social media prompted police response. In a statement, the Ghana Police Service confirmed it has commenced investigations and assured the public that all perpetrators will be identified and brought to justice.
The episode has triggered concern among education stakeholders and residents, with growing calls for enhanced security and stricter supervision at inter-school sporting events to prevent recurrence.
