Ghana Education Service bans Koforidua SHTS, New Juaben SHS, and New Nsutam SHTS from sports and related activities for two years following disturbances during regional games.
Koforidua, Eastern Region – February 11, 2026
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has imposed a two-year ban on three senior high schools in the Eastern Region from participating in sports and other related activities following incidents of hooliganism during the Regional Super Zonal Sports Competition.
The affected schools are:
- Koforidua Senior High Technical School (SHTS)
- New Juaben Senior High School
- New Nsutam Senior High Technical School
The directive was issued by the Eastern Regional Education Directorate in an official letter dated February 11, 2026.
Reason for the Sanction
According to the letter, the decision follows disturbances that occurred before, during, and after the Regional Super Zonal Sports (Games) Competition.
The Regional Directorate cited provisions under:
- GES Code of Conduct (Section 2.17 – Physical and Psychological Violence)
- Eastern Region Schools and Colleges Sports Association (ERSCSA) Code of Discipline, Article VII (Disturbances, Riots, Hooliganism)
- ERSCSA Article VIII (Sanctions and Punishments)
GES stated that students from the affected schools were found to have engaged in acts described as hooliganism, which contradict established disciplinary standards.
Scope of the Ban
The three schools are banned from organizing, spectating, or participating in:
- Sporting activities
- Quizzes
- Debates
- Cadetting
- Entertainment programmes
The ban applies at the school, zonal, and regional levels and will remain in force for two years, effective February 11, 2026.
This means the institutions will be excluded from major regional competitive platforms until 2028 unless the directive is reviewed.
Additional Financial Sanctions
Beyond the participation ban, the letter outlines further penalties:
- Each school is liable to a fine of GH¢500.00.
- Each institution will be surcharged for the cost of any damage or injury to property or individuals, with the amount to be determined by a committee based on the extent of damage.
School authorities have also been directed to ensure that students, staff, old students, and supporters adhere strictly to GES and ERSCSA regulations to avoid further disciplinary action.
The directive was signed by Mrs. Ivy Asantewaa Owusu (PhD), Regional Director (E), Eastern Region.
Implications for Students and School Culture
The decision is likely to generate debate within the education community. Sports and co-curricular activities form an integral part of holistic student development in Ghana’s second-cycle institutions.
Education analysts note that while discipline is central to school governance, extended bans can affect:
- Student morale
- Talent exposure in athletics and debate
- Regional school competitiveness
- Institutional reputation
Parents and alumni groups are expected to respond to the development, particularly given the length of the sanction.
Broader Context: Discipline in Second-Cycle Schools
In recent years, GES has intensified enforcement of its Code of Conduct amid rising concerns over violence, clashes between schools, and misconduct during inter-school competitions.
Regional sports competitions have historically been high-tension events, drawing large student and alumni support. Authorities have repeatedly warned against hooliganism and disruptive conduct.
This latest action signals a firm stance by the Eastern Regional Directorate to enforce discipline and restore order in competitive school events.
What Happens Next?
The affected schools may engage the Regional Directorate through formal channels if they seek clarification or review of the sanctions.
Stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the punishment serves as a deterrent to other institutions and whether preventive measures are strengthened ahead of future competitions
