Central Region Halts Zonal SHS Sports Over Violent Clashes

The Central Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has temporarily halted all zonal athletics competitions across the region following violent disturbances at a recent schools’ sporting event.

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In a letter dated February 22 and signed by the Central Regional Director of Education, Juliette Dubie Otami, the Directorate disclosed that it had received credible reports of serious clashes among students during inter-school athletics competitions. The incidents, it said, raised significant concerns about the safety of students, teachers and spectators.

According to the Directorate, the unrest undermined the purpose of school sports, which are designed to promote discipline, teamwork, respect and healthy competition. Management noted that the decision to suspend the competitions was taken as an immediate precautionary measure to protect lives, restore order and preserve the integrity of school sporting activities.

The suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice. Authorities indicated that a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the clashes would be conducted in consultation with relevant stakeholders to ensure that future sporting events are organised under secure and disciplined conditions.

The directive follows a violent incident that marred the District Schools Athletics Games held in Agona Swedru on February 19. The disturbance is currently under investigation by the Ghana Police Service.

What was meant to be a showcase of athletic excellence reportedly turned chaotic after tensions flared between students of Obrachire Senior High Technical School and Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS). During the altercation, a student from Obrachire was allegedly attacked by a group of students. Reports indicate that he was beaten with sticks and pelted with stones before onlookers stepped in to rescue him. The injured student was subsequently taken to a health facility for medical treatment.

A video of the confrontation later surfaced on social media, drawing widespread public attention and prompting swift action from the police.

In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, the Ghana Police Service confirmed it had begun investigations into the viral footage showing a group of individuals throwing stones at a student. The Service condemned the act of violence and assured the public that all those involved would be identified and prosecuted.

Police authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring accountability, stressing that anyone found responsible will face the full rigours of the law as investigations continue to determine the exact circumstances of the clash.