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 issued on Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Directorate said the decision was taken after Management received credible reports of clashes and acts of violence among students during zonal athletics events.

The directive follows an incident captured in widely circulated videos showing a student of Obrachire Senior High Technical School being attacked by students of Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS) during a district inter-schools athletics competition.

The incident reportedly occurred in Agona Swedru on Thursday, February 19, when tensions between students of the two participating schools escalated into a physical confrontation. Eyewitnesses said what began as a rivalry during the sporting event quickly degenerated into clashes, resulting in a brutal assault on the Obrachire SHTS student.

Expressing deep concern, the GES noted that the incidents had undermined the spirit of healthy competition and posed serious threats to the safety and well-being of students, staff, and spectators.

“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 said.

The Directorate reminded heads of schools that sporting activities are meant to promote discipline, teamwork, mutual respect, and healthy rivalry, adding that it was regrettable that such noble objectives had been compromised by indiscipline and violence.

Accordingly, Management has directed the immediate cessation of all zonal inter-school sporting activities until further notice to allow for a comprehensive review of the situation, engagement with relevant stakeholders, and the development of preventive measures to avert future incidents.

Heads of SHSs and SHTSs in the region have been instructed to suspend all planned or scheduled zonal inter-school athletics competitions, communicate the directive to staff and students, 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 the public of its commitment to restoring sporting activities under conditions that ensure safety, discipline, and the true spirit of healthy competition.