Violence Forces GES to Halt Inter-School Sports in Central Region

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has ordered the immediate suspension of all zonal inter-school sporting activities among Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) in the Central Region following reported incidents of violence during recent athletics competitions.

In a directive addressed to heads of second-cycle institutions in the region, the Regional Education Directorate said it had received credible reports of serious clashes among students of competing schools. The disturbances, according to management, disrupted the spirit of healthy competition and posed significant threats to the safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and spectators.

GES expressed deep concern over what it described as acts of indiscipline that have undermined the core objectives of school sports — discipline, teamwork, mutual respect and healthy rivalry.

“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… until further notice,” the statement said.

The suspension, which takes immediate effect, is expected to allow authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of the situation, consult widely with relevant stakeholders, and develop preventive strategies to forestall any recurrence of violence during school competitions.

Heads of SHS and SHTS have been instructed to immediately suspend all planned or scheduled zonal athletics competitions, communicate the directive to staff and students, and ensure strict compliance within their respective institutions.

Management further assured school authorities of its commitment to restoring sporting activities under conditions that guarantee safety, discipline and the true spirit of competition.

The development is likely to affect preparations for upcoming zonal meets, traditionally seen as key platforms for nurturing young athletic talent in the region.