The Ghana Education Service (GES) Eastern Regional Directorate has imposed a two-year ban on Koforidua Senior High Technical School (SECTECH), New Juaben Senior High School (NJUSCO), and New Nsutam Senior High Technical School (NSUTECH) following violent clashes that marred the 2026 Super Zonal Sports Competition.
The competition, held from February 4 to 6 at the Koforidua Sports Stadium was overshadowed by reports of hooliganism, a stabbing, and an alleged gang rape incidents.
In a statement dated February 11, 2026, and signed by the Eastern Regional Director of Education, Mrs. Ivy Asantewa Owusu (PhD), the Directorate expressed strong displeasure over what it described as unacceptable acts of misconduct by students of the affected schools.
Citing Section 2.17 (Physical and Psychological Violence) of the GES Code of Conduct and Articles VII and VIII of the Eastern Region Schools and Colleges Sports Association (ERSCSA) Code of Discipline, the Directorate announced that the three schools are banned from organizing, participating in, or spectating all sporting and related activities for two years.
The ban covers sports, quizzes, debates, cadetting, and entertainment programmes at the school, zonal, and regional levels, effective February 11, 2026.
In addition to the suspension, each school has been fined GH¢500.00 and will be surcharged to pay for any damage to property or injury to individuals, with the cost to be determined by a committee based on the extent of damage or injury.
The Directorate urged school authorities to ensure that students, staff, old students, and supporters strictly comply with GES and ERSCSA rules to avoid further disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, GES Headquarters has strongly condemned the incidents in a separate statement signed by the Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyi.
According to GES Management, preliminary reports indicate that a student of SECTECH was stabbed about 200 metres from the competition venue while he had gone out to have lunch with a friend. He was allegedly attacked by students of NJUSCO. The victim received medical treatment and has since been discharged. One suspect has been arrested and is assisting police investigations.
In a separate incident, a female student of Osino Senior High School was allegedly raped in a bush at some distance from the competition grounds.
Two students have been arrested in connection with the alleged rape and are currently in police custody assisting with investigations. A third suspect, described as the alleged ringleader and an old student of SECTECH, is on the run.
GES confirmed that the victim received medical attention and has been discharged from hospital. She is currently receiving counselling and psychosocial support from the Regional Guidance and Counselling Coordinator, the Head of the Girls’ Education Unit, and officers of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU).
“No Place for Criminal Conduct” – GES
GES Management emphasized that inter-school sports are meant to nurture talent, promote discipline, teamwork, and unity among students.
“It is unacceptable for such events, or activities connected to them, to be associated with violence, sexual abuse, or any form of criminal conduct,” the statement said.
Management assured the public that all culprits will be taken through due process in line with the GES Code of Conduct and will face appropriate sanctions if found guilty.
Stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies as investigations continue.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
