The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, along with his management team, convened a crisis meeting on Monday, 23rd February, 2026, in response to several incidents of violence and assault during the ongoing inter-school sports competitions in some districts of the Central region.
The meeting, which included key stakeholders from the region, was held to discuss and address the escalating incidents. Dr. Mrs. Juliette Dufie Otami, the Regional Director of Education, Mr. Bismark Mfaafo Offei, the Agona West Municipal Director of Education, and Mr. Thomas Kwofie, the Cape Coast Metro Director of Education, were among those in attendance. They were joined by school heads from Aggrey Memorial SHS, Adisadel College, Swedru School of Business, Obrachire SHS, and Kwanyako SHS, along with the Regional P.E./Sports Coordinator, and other relevant authorities. Additionally, some of the affected students and their parents were present, as well as the Technical Advisor to the Minister for Education, Prof. George K.T. Oduro.
During the meeting, the Central Regional delegation provided detailed accounts of the incidents, explaining the events as they unfolded. They also discussed the causes of the violence, the immediate steps taken to address it, and proposed strategies to improve safety and security during future events.
Professor Ernest Kofi Davis condemned the violence in no uncertain terms, expressing his strong dissatisfaction with the aggressive conduct displayed by a few students. He emphasised that such behaviour goes against the very values that school competitions are designed to uphold — discipline, sportsmanship, and mutual respect. The Director-General stated that the role of school sports should be to discover and nurture talent while fostering unity and cooperation between schools.
He also highlighted the growing importance of football and traditional games, noting that these sports have become increasingly lucrative. Students with passion and talent must be supported and guided to build successful careers in sports. The Director-General underscored that school sports competitions should serve as platforms to unlock the potential of young athletes, not as arenas for violence and aggression.
In response to the incidents, the Director-General endorsed the Central Regional Director’s decision to suspend all sporting activities within the region until thorough investigations into the incidents could be completed.
GES management, however, expressed relief upon confirmation that no fatalities occurred, despite false media reports claiming otherwise. The student erroneously reported dead was present at the meeting, alongside other victims who had been hospitalised. All the injured students have now been discharged and are receiving appropriate medical care.
The meeting also revealed that the perpetrators of the assault had been arrested and are currently assisting the police with their investigations.
The Director-General, Professor Davis in his conclusion address, stated firmly that any student found guilty of engaging in acts of assault would face appropriate sanctions in line with Ghana’s laws and GES regulations, reiterating the education system’s commitment to upholding discipline, safety, and respect for all students.
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