The Ghana Education Service has banned three senior high schools in the Eastern Region from all sports and related activities for two years following acts of hooliganism during a recent regional competition.
The affected schools are Koforidua Senior High Technical School, New Juaben Senior High School and New Nsutam Senior High Technical School. The decision, announced by the Eastern Regional Education Directorate, takes effect from 11th February 2026.
According to the directive signed by the Regional Director, Mrs Ivy Asantewa Owusu, the sanctions follow disturbances that occurred before, during and after the Regional Super Zonal Sports competition.
The Regional Education Directorate and the Regional Second Cycle Schools Sports Executives expressed displeasure over the incidents, describing the conduct of some students as unacceptable.
The Ghana Education Service said investigations found that students from the three schools engaged in acts that breached the Service Code of Conduct, particularly provisions relating to physical and psychological violence.
The actions were also found to contravene the Eastern Region Schools and Colleges Sports Association code on disturbances, riots and hooliganism.
As a result, the schools have been barred from organising, participating in or even spectating sporting activities at the school, zonal and regional levels. The ban also extends to quizzes, debates, cadet activities and entertainment events tied to inter school competitions.
Beyond the suspension, each school has been fined 500 cedis. They will also be required to pay for any damage to property or injury to individuals arising from the incidents, with the cost to be determined by a committee based on the extent of the damage.
The Education Service has urged school authorities to ensure that students, staff, old students and supporters comply fully with rules governing school sports and related programmes to prevent further disciplinary action.
For many students who look forward to inter school competitions as a chance to showcase talent and build friendships, the ban is likely to be a significant setback.
Education officials, however, insist that discipline and safety must remain paramount in school activities across the region.
