The Ghana Education Service (GES) has imposed a two-year ban on three Senior High Schools in the Eastern Region following what it describes as serious acts of hooliganism and violence during a recent sports competition.
Koforidua Senior High Technical School (SECTECH), New Juaben Senior High School (NJUASCO), and New Nsutam Senior High Technical School (NSUTECH) are the schools which have been barred from participating in all sporting and related activities for two years.
In a statement from the Eastern Regional Education Directorate and the Regional Second Cycle Schools’ Sports Executives, titled “Ban on Schools from Sports and Other Related Activities,” they condemned the acts.
“The Management of Eastern Regional Education Directorate and the Regional 2nd Cycle Schools’ Sports Executives express their displeasure in the recent incidents before, during and after the Regional Super Zonal Sports (Games) Competition.”
Citing provisions in the Ghana Education Service Code of Conduct and the Eastern Region Schools and Colleges Sports Association (ERSCSA) Code of Discipline, the Directorate said students of the affected schools were found to have engaged in unacceptable conduct.
“In accordance with the Ghana Education Service Code of Conduct (2.17 Physical and Psychological Violence) and the Eastern Region Schools and Colleges Sports Association (ERSCSA) Code of Discipline: ARTICLE VII (Disturbances / Riots / Hooliganisms) and ARTICLE VIII (Sanctions / Punishments), the students in your school were found engaging in acts of hooliganism which are unacceptable and contradicts to the rule of discipline in GES.”
“Based on this, the afore-mentioned Second Cycle Schools in the region are BANNED from organizing, spectating or taking part in all Sporting Activities including Quizzes, Debates, Cadetting and Entertainments, in the School, Zone and Region, for a period of Two (2) years effective 11th February, 2026.”
In addition to the ban, and in line with GES Code of Conduct 3.0 and ERSCSA Article VIII of the Code of Discipline, each school is:
a. liable to a fine of Five hundred Ghana cedis (GhC500.00).
b. surcharged to pay for the cost of any damage/injury to Property or Individual which shall be determined by a Committee based on the extent of the damage/injury.
The Directorate further urged school authorities to ensure strict compliance with regulations.
“Please, ensure that your students, staff, old students and other supporters adhere to all rules and regulations governing GES and ERSCSA to avoid any further disciplinary actions.”
The sanctions follow a series of violent incidents that reportedly occurred before, during and after the Eastern Regional Super Zonal Sports (Games) Competition held from February 4 to 6.
Among the reported cases was a stabbing incident involving a student of Koforidua Senior High Technical School, identified as Jerome Appiah. He was allegedly stabbed with a machete by Form Two students of New Juaben Senior High School resulting in a deep wound and significant blood loss.
There were also allegations that a female student of Osino Senior High School was gang-raped during the festival in Koforidua.
In addition, students of New Nsutam Senior High Technical School were reportedly involved in stone-throwing and other disturbances during the competition.
In an earlier statement dated February 11, the Ghana Education Service confirmed arrests in connection with the alleged rape and stabbing incidents.
“In connection with the alleged rape, two students have been arrested and are currently in police custody assisting with investigations. A third suspect, described as the alleged ringleader and an old student of Koforidua Senior High Technical School, is currently on the run. The victim has received medical attention and has since been discharged from the hospital. She is being provided with counselling and psychosocial support by the Regional Guidance and Counselling Coordinator, the Head of the Girls’ Education Unit, and officers of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU).”
“The student who sustained the stabbing injury also received medical care and has since been discharged from the hospital. One suspect in connection with the stabbing incident has been arrested and is assisting the police with investigations.”
Condemning the acts, GES emphasised that such behaviour has no place within the Service.
“Management treats these incidents with utmost seriousness. In line with the Code of Conduct of the Ghana Education Service regarding student behaviour, all culprits will be taken through due process and, when found guilty, will be dealt with accordingly.”
