The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the immediate cessation of all inter-school sporting activities among Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools in the Central Region until further notice.
The directive, issued by the Regional Education Office in Cape Coast and dated February 22, 2026, follows what management described as recent disturbing developments associated with inter-school sporting competitions within the region.
According to the statement, the Regional Education Directorate received credible reports of grave incidents of violence and clashes among students during recent zonal athletics competitions.
The incidents, it noted, have not only disrupted the spirit of healthy competition but also posed serious threats to the safety and well-being of students, staff, and spectators.
“In the interest of safeguarding lives, maintaining order, and preserving the integrity of school sports, Management hereby directs the immediate cessation of all zonal inter-school sporting activities among Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools in the Central Region, until further notice,” the statement read.
The statement further directed all heads of Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools in the region have been instructed to immediately suspend all planned or scheduled zonal inter-school athletics competitions, communicate the directive promptly to staff, students, and relevant stakeholders, and ensure strict compliance within their respective institutions.
The GES explained that the temporary measure will enable management to undertake a thorough review of the prevailing situation, engage relevant stakeholders, and develop appropriate strategies and preventive mechanisms to forestall any recurrence of such violent incidents.
The directive, the Service said, takes immediate effect and must be adhered to without exception.
Management acknowledged the importance of school sporting activities intended to promote discipline, teamwork, mutual respect, and healthy rivalry; however, it expressed regret that these objectives have been undermined by acts of indiscipline and violence.
It further assured that it remains committed to restoring sporting activities under conditions that guarantee safety, discipline, and the true spirit of healthy competition.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has launched investigations into the violent incident that happened at Agona Swedru on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
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