The Ghana Education Service (GES) in the Eastern Region has taken firm disciplinary action against three senior high schools following disturbing incidents of violence and an alleged sexual assault during a recent inter-school sports competition in Koforidua. The sanctions, which take immediate effect, are intended to reinforce discipline, protect students, and deter future misconduct at school-organised events.
The affected schools—Koforidua Senior High Technical School, New Juaben Senior High School, and New Nsutam Senior High Technical School—have been barred from participating in all sporting and co-curricular activities for a period of two years. This means the schools will not be allowed to organise, attend, or take part in events such as sports competitions, quizzes, debates, cadet activities, cultural displays, or entertainment programmes under the supervision of GES.
In addition to the suspension, each school has been fined GHC 500 and may be required to cover the cost of any damage to property or injuries that occurred as a result of the incidents.
Decision Following Serious Misconduct
The sanctions were announced in a press release signed by the Eastern Regional Director of Education, Ivy Asantewa Owusu. According to the statement, investigations linked students from the three schools to acts of hooliganism, including a reported gang rape and a separate stabbing incident, both of which occurred during activities surrounding the sports event.
“These acts constitute a clear violation of the Ghana Education Service Code of Conduct and disciplinary standards,” the statement said, stressing that student safety and discipline remain non-negotiable priorities for the Service.
The directive draws authority from Section 2.17 of the GES Code of Conduct, which addresses physical and psychological violence, as well as the Eastern Region Schools and Colleges Sports Association Code of Discipline. Specifically cited were Article VII, which deals with disturbances and hooliganism, and Article VIII, which outlines sanctions and punishments for such offences.
Arrests and Police Investigations
Law enforcement agencies have also taken action in connection with the incidents. Two underage students have been arrested over the alleged gang rape of a fellow student during the sports event and are currently facing prosecution. A third suspect, believed to be a former student, is still on the run, and police say efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest him.
The suspects have been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, namely rape, as well as the substantive offence of rape. Authorities have not released further details in order to protect the identity and welfare of the victim.
In a separate but equally troubling case, another student was arrested for allegedly stabbing a colleague near the sports stadium during the same period. The injured student reportedly received medical attention, while police continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Message to Schools and Parents
GES officials say the tough measures are meant to send a strong signal to school authorities, students, and parents about the consequences of indiscipline and violence. While inter-school sports and co-curricular activities are designed to promote teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition, the Service warned that such platforms must never become avenues for criminal behaviour.
The Regional Education Directorate has urged school heads to strengthen supervision during external activities, intensify guidance and counselling programmes, and work closely with parents and law enforcement to address behavioural issues early.
The statement also appealed to students to conduct themselves responsibly and remember that their actions reflect not only on themselves but on their schools and communities.
As investigations continue, GES reiterated its commitment to ensuring that schools remain safe spaces for learning and development, adding that further sanctions could follow if additional violations are uncovered.
Source: Africa Publicity
