Central Region Halts Zonal School Sports After Violent Incidents
The Central Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has suspended all zonal inter-school sporting activities involving Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools with immediate effect, following reports of violence at recent athletics events.
In a directive signed by the Regional Director and sighted by Citi Sports, heads of schools have been instructed to cancel all scheduled and planned competitions until further notice. The order comes amid concerns over student safety after clashes were captured on video and circulated widely, raising alarm among education authorities and the public.
Regional officials noted that the disturbances posed a serious threat to students, teachers and spectators, and ran counter to the core values school sports are meant to promote, including discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and mutual respect.
The directive outlines an immediate freeze on all zonal athletics competitions in the region and requires school authorities to inform students, staff and other stakeholders of the suspension. Schools have also been directed to ensure full compliance with the order while the regional office conducts a comprehensive review of the incidents.
According to the regional directorate, the suspension will remain in force until consultations with key stakeholders are completed and robust measures are introduced to prevent future outbreaks of violence.
While stressing that the halt is temporary, the GES assured that sporting activities will resume once adequate safety and security protocols are in place, reaffirming its commitment to protecting students and preserving the integrity of school sports in the Central Region.
