THE Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the immediate suspension of all zonal inter-school sporting activities among Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools in the Central Region following reports of violent incidents and clashes involving students during recent competitions.
A letter dated February 22, 2026, addressed to heads of second-cycle institutions in the Central Regional Education Office and sighted by The Ghanaian Times, expressed concern over what it described as grave acts of violence recorded at the recent zonal athletics events. Management of the Regional Education Directorate noted that the disturbances threatened the safety of students, staff, and spectators and disrupted the purpose of school sports.
The service explained that the temporary suspension would allow authorities to review the situation and engage relevant stakeholders to prevent further occurrences. Heads of schools were instructed to halt all planned competitions, inform staff and students, and ensure full compliance with the directive until further notice.
Earlier, the Ministry of Education condemned in the strongest terms the recent acts of violence involving students from two schools in the Central Region, which have been widely circulated in viral videos on social media. Initial information indicated that the incidents captured in the videos involved students of two second-cycle institutions within the region.
The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, noted in a statement that the ministry was treating the matter with the seriousness it deserved. “Even as we await the report from the Director-General of GES, let me state that the Minister for Education and I take a very serious view of these acts of violence,” he said.
He warned that all students found culpable, as well as any other perpetrators involved, would face the most severe sanctions in line with existing laws and established disciplinary procedures within the education sector.
The disturbing footage has generated public concern and renewed debate about discipline and student conduct in schools. In response, the Director-General of GES has been directed to immediately investigate the matter. As part of the investigation, the Director-General is scheduled to meet the Central Regional Director of GES, the relevant District Directors of Education, and the heads of the affected schools at 10:00 a.m. today, February 23, 2026, at the GES Headquarters in Accra.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has arrested three suspects in connection with the violent conduct of the students and is assisting with the investigation.
The event, which was meant to celebrate sporting excellence among students, reportedly descended into chaos following a confrontation between participants from two schools. According to eyewitnesses, tensions arose between students of Obrachire Senior High Technical School and the Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS), leading to a physical altercation.
In the course of the disturbance, a student from Obrachire was allegedly attacked by a group believed to be from SWESBUS. The victim was reportedly struck with sticks and pelted with stones before bystanders stepped in to restore calm. Videos circulating on social media show scenes of confusion, with the injured student surrounded by a crowd as the incident unfolded. He was later transported to a health facility, where he is currently receiving treatment.
The Police have condemned the violence and assured the public that those responsible would be identified and dealt with in accordance with the law. Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
BY CLIFF EKUFUL
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