The Ghana Education Service has ordered the immediate suspension of all zonal inter-school sporting activities among Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools in the Central Region following reports of violence at recent competitions.
In a letter dated February 22 and issued by the Central Regional Education Directorate, the Service said it had received credible reports of serious clashes among students during zonal athletics events, raising concerns about the safety of students, staff and spectators.
The directive, signed by the Central Regional Director of Education, Juliette Dubie Otami, stated that the incidents had disrupted the spirit of healthy competition and undermined the core values of discipline, teamwork and mutual respect that school sports are intended to promote.
Management explained that the temporary suspension was necessary to safeguard lives, maintain order and preserve the integrity of school sporting activities while a comprehensive review is undertaken in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Heads of second-cycle institutions have been instructed to suspend with immediate effect all planned or scheduled zonal athletics competitions, communicate the directive to students and staff, and ensure strict compliance within their respective schools.
The suspension took immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice. The Service assured that steps are being taken to restore sporting activities under conditions that guarantee safety, discipline and the true spirit of competition.
The directive follows a violent incident that disrupted the District Schools Athletics Games in Agona Swedru on February 19, which is currently under investigation by the Ghana Police Service.
During the confrontation, a student from Obrachire was allegedly attacked by a group of students. He was reportedly struck with sticks and pelted with stones before bystanders intervened. The injured student was later taken to a health facility for treatment.
Footage of the incident circulated widely on social media, prompting a police response. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the Ghana Police Service said:
“POLICE COMMENCE INVESTIGATION INTO VIRAL VIDEO OF STUDENT VIOLENCE
The Ghana Police Service has sighted a viral video in which a group of people are seen pelting stones at a student.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and further developments will be communicated in due course.
The Service strongly condemns the violence and assures the public that all perpetrators will be identified and brought to justice.”
The police have assured the public that individuals found culpable will face the full rigours of the law as investigations continue to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the clash.
The episode has triggered concern among education stakeholders and residents, with growing calls for enhanced security and stricter supervision at inter-school sporting events to prevent a recurrence. Authorities say further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
Read the full statement below
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh