GES bans three Eastern Region SHSs over alleged gang rape and stabbing at inter-school sports event

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has banned three senior high schools for two years from organising, participating in, or spectating at any sporting and co-curricular activities, including quizzes, debates, cadet programmes, and entertainment events.

The affected schools are Koforidua Senior High Technical School, New Juaben Senior High School, and New Nsutem Senior High Technical School, all in the Eastern Region.

In addition to the ban, each school has been fined GHC 500.00 and will be surcharged for any costs arising from damage to property or injuries sustained by individuals.

The sanctions were announced in a press release issued by the Eastern Regional Director of Education, Ivy Asantewa Owusu, following alleged incidents of gang rape and stabbing during the just-ended inter-school sports competition in Koforidua.

According to the statement, the decision was taken in line with Section 2.17 of the GES Code of Conduct on physical and psychological violence, as well as the Eastern Region Schools and Colleges Sports Association Code of Discipline.

The release further cited Article VII, which addresses disturbances, riots, and hooliganism, and Article VIII on sanctions and punishment.

It stated that students from the affected schools were found to have engaged in acts of hooliganism that are unacceptable and contrary to the discipline standards of the GES.

Meanwhile, two underage students have been arrested in connection with the alleged gang rape of a student in a bush during the inter-school sports event and are currently facing prosecution. A third suspect, believed to be an old student, is on the run.

Police have charged the suspects with conspiracy to commit a crime, to wit rape, and rape.

In a separate incident, another student was arrested for allegedly stabbing a fellow student miles away from the sports stadium.