GES suspends zonal SHS sports in Central Region after violent clashes
The Central Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has ordered the immediate suspension of all zonal inter-school sporting events involving Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) in the region after violent incidents marred recent competitions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Directorate explained that the decision followed credible reports of clashes and violent behaviour among students during recent zonal athletics meets.
Footage circulating online shows students of Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS) assaulting a student of Obrachire Senior High Technical School during a district inter-schools athletics competition. The incident reportedly occurred in Agona Swedru on Thursday, February 19, after tensions between the two schools escalated into a physical altercation.
According to eyewitnesses, what started as a competitive rivalry during the sporting event quickly spiralled into violence, leading to the severe beating of the Obrachire SHTS student.
In its letter, the GES expressed serious concern, stating that the incidents had undermined the essence of healthy competition and endangered the safety 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 school heads that sports are meant to foster discipline, teamwork, mutual respect, and healthy rivalry, lamenting that acts of indiscipline and aggression had compromised these core values. To protect lives, restore order, and preserve the integrity of school sports, Management directed the immediate halt of all zonal inter-school sporting activities until further notice.
The temporary suspension, the letter explained, will allow authorities to thoroughly assess the situation, consult stakeholders, and implement measures and safeguards to prevent a recurrence.
Heads of SHSs and SHTSs have been instructed to cancel all scheduled zonal athletics events, inform staff, students, and relevant stakeholders of the directive, and ensure full compliance within their institutions.
“Please note that this directive takes immediate effect and must be adhered to without exception,” the statement stressed.
The Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to reinstating sporting activities under conditions that ensure safety, discipline, and the genuine spirit of healthy competition.
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