The Central Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced the immediate suspension of all zonal inter-school sports competitions for Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) in the region, following violent incidents during recent events.
In a statement released on Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Directorate said the decision comes after receiving credible reports of clashes among students during recent district athletics competitions.
The incidents reportedly occurred on Thursday, February 19, in Agona Swedru, where tensions between students of Obrachire Senior High Technical School and Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS) escalated into physical confrontations. Video footage circulating online showed an Obrachire SHTS student being attacked during the competition.
Eyewitnesses said what began as a sporting rivalry quickly degenerated into violence, resulting in serious physical assaults and disruption of the event.
In its statement, GES expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that the violence undermines the purpose of inter-school sports, which is to foster discipline, teamwork, mutual respect, and healthy competition.
“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 Directorate said.
To safeguard lives and restore order, the Regional Directorate has directed all heads of SHSs and SHTSs to immediately suspend any planned or scheduled zonal inter-school athletics competitions, communicate the directive to staff and students, and ensure strict compliance.
The temporary suspension will allow GES Management to review the incidents, consult relevant stakeholders, and develop strategies to prevent future occurrences.
The Directorate assured that it remains committed to restoring sporting activities under conditions that guarantee safety, discipline, and the true spirit of healthy competition.