Three Arrested in Connection with Violent Assault at Agona Swedru District Schools Athletics Games
The Central Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has confirmed that three suspects have been arrested in relation to the violent clash that disrupted the District Schools Athletics Games on Thursday, February 19, 2026, leaving several students injured and requiring hospital treatment.
The arrests were announced by Regional Director of Education Dr. Juliette Dufie Otami during an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, February 23, 2026. She revealed that security agencies made significant progress over the weekend in identifying and apprehending those involved.
“About three people have been arrested as of yesterday. We are still investigating the matter,” Dr. Otami stated.
The investigation is ongoing and expected to expand, with authorities reviewing amateur footage, eyewitness statements, and other evidence to determine if additional individuals played roles in planning or participating in the violence.
The clash reportedly erupted between students from Obrachire Senior High Technical School and Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS). A student from Obrachire was allegedly targeted by a mob, pelted with stones, and beaten with sticks in a brutal assault captured on video that went viral, sparking widespread public outrage.
Dr. Otami provided reassurance on the victims’ recovery, confirming that all injured students have received medical treatment, been discharged from hospital, and safely returned to their schools.
“They have been discharged and they are okay; they have all been treated, and they have all been brought back to the schools, and they are okay now,” she said. Some students were discharged on Saturday, February 21, while others were released on Sunday, February 22, after responding well to care.
Parents of the affected students were invited to the schools, inspected their children’s condition, and expressed satisfaction with the response from school management and authorities.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) and Ministry of Education have condemned the violence in the strongest terms. A high-level meeting was held earlier today at GES headquarters in Accra involving the Director-General, Central Regional Director, district directors, and heads of the affected schools to review the incident and outline preventive measures.
Police continue their formal investigation, with the possibility of additional arrests as more details emerge. Authorities have stressed that perpetrators will face strict disciplinary and legal consequences.
The incident has reignited national debate on student safety, crowd control, and discipline at inter-school sporting events. Education stakeholders are calling for enhanced security protocols, stricter enforcement of rules, and renewed focus on values education to prevent future occurrences.
The GES has assured the public that affected students are back in class and receiving ongoing support from school management, guidance officers, and counsellors. Parents and the community have been urged to cooperate with authorities to promote peace and responsible behaviour in schools. Further updates are
