The Central Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has ordered the suspension of all zonal inter-school sporting activities among Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) following recent violent incidents during athletics competitions.

In a statement issued on February 22, 2026, the Directorate said the directive followed credible reports of student clashes at recent zonal events.

One widely circulated video captured an assault on a student of Obrachire Senior High Technical School during a district athletics competition involving students of the Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS) in Agona Swedru on February 19.

According to eyewitnesses, tensions that emerged during the competition escalated into a physical confrontation, culminating in the attack.

The Directorate expressed grave concern, noting that the disturbances had undermined the purpose of school sports and posed significant risks to students, staff and spectators.

It stressed that inter-school competitions are meant to foster discipline, teamwork, mutual respect and healthy rivalry.

To safeguard lives and maintain order, GES Management has directed the immediate suspension of all zonal inter-school athletics activities until further notice.

The temporary measure, it explained, will allow for a comprehensive review of the situation and consultations with stakeholders to design preventive strategies against future occurrences.

Heads of SHSs and SHTSs across the region have been instructed to halt all scheduled competitions, inform students and staff accordingly, and ensure strict compliance with the directive.

“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 reinstating sporting activities once adequate safety measures are in place to preserve the integrity and spirit of school sports.