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) following violent incidents recorded during recent competitions.
In a statement issued, the Directorate said the decision was taken after Management received credible reports of clashes among students during zonal athletics events.
The directive follows an incident during a district inter-schools athletics competition in Agona Swedru on Thursday, February 19, where a student of Obrachire Senior High Technical School was allegedly attacked by some students of the Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS).
Videos circulating on social media captured the confrontation, which eyewitnesses said began as a sporting rivalry but escalated into a physical clash, resulting in the reported assault of the Obrachire SHTS student.
GES expressed deep concern over the development, stating that the disturbances had undermined the spirit of healthy competition and posed serious risks 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 noted.
The Directorate reminded heads of schools that sporting activities are intended to promote discipline, teamwork, mutual respect, and healthy rivalry, describing it as regrettable that such objectives had been overshadowed by acts of indiscipline and violence.
In the interest of safeguarding lives, maintaining order, and preserving the integrity of school sports, Management directed the immediate cessation of all zonal inter-school sporting activities until further notice.
According to the statement, the temporary suspension will allow the Directorate to conduct a comprehensive review of the situation, engage key stakeholders, and implement appropriate preventive measures to avert future incidents.
Heads of SHSs and SHTSs have been instructed to halt all planned or scheduled zonal athletics competitions with immediate effect, communicate the directive to staff, students, and relevant stakeholders, and ensure strict compliance.
“Please note that this directive takes immediate effect and must be adhered to without exception,” the statement emphasised.
The Directorate assured the public of its commitment to restoring sporting activities under conditions that guarantee safety, discipline, and the true spirit of healthy competition.
