The Ghana Education Service (GES) has imposed a two-year suspension on Koforidua Senior High Technical School (SHTS), New Juaben Senior High School (SHS), and New Nsutam Senior High Technical School (SHTS) from all sporting and co-curricular engagements.
The directive bars the three schools from organising, participating in, or attending events such as inter-school sports competitions, quizzes, debates, cadet activities, and entertainment programmes. Each school has also been fined GH¢500 and will bear any additional costs related to property damage or injuries resulting from the incidents.
The sanctions were detailed in a statement signed by the Eastern Regional Director of Education, Madam Ivy Asantewa Owusu, following reports of serious misconduct during the recent inter-school sports competition held in Koforidua.
According to the statement, the disciplinary action is in accordance with Section 2.17 of the GES Code of Conduct on physical and psychological violence, as well as provisions in the Eastern Region Schools and Colleges Sports Association Code of Discipline. Specific reference was made to Article VII, which addresses riots and hooliganism, and Article VIII, which outlines applicable sanctions.
GES indicated that students from the affected institutions were involved in acts deemed violent and disorderly, violating established standards of discipline.
The decision follows reports of an alleged gang rape during the sports event. Police have arrested two minors in connection with the incident, and they are currently being prosecuted on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, namely rape, and rape. A third suspect, believed to be a former student, is reportedly at large.
In a related development, another student was apprehended for allegedly stabbing a colleague at a location several miles from the sports venue.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing.
