Three arrested following violent assault on student at district athletics games

The Central Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has confirmed that three suspects are in police custody in connection with the violent disturbances that disrupted the District Schools Athletics Games in Agona Swedru last week.

The arrests follow a disturbing incident on Thursday, 19th February 2026, during which several students were injured and a student from Obrachire Senior High Technical School was allegedly targeted in a brutal mob attack.

Speaking publicly for the first time on the matter during an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, the Regional Director of Education, Dr Juliette Dufie Otami, disclosed that security agencies have made significant progress in their investigations.

“About three people have been arrested as of yesterday. We are still investigating the matter,” Dr Dufie Otami stated.

While the identities of those detained have not yet been released, authorities are reviewing amateur footage and eyewitness accounts to identify additional individuals involved in orchestrating the violence.

Injured Students Discharged

In a relief to concerned parents and school administrators, Dr Dufie Otami confirmed that all hospitalised students have now recovered and returned to their respective 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 assured the public.

This includes the Obrachire Senior High Technical School student who was reportedly the primary target of the attack.

Eyewitness Accounts of Security Failure

According to eyewitness reports, tensions between rival student groups had simmered throughout the day before escalating into physical confrontation during track events.

The most disturbing accounts describe a targeted assault on the Obrachire student, who was allegedly surrounded and attacked by a mob believed to be from the Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS). Witnesses reported that the victim was pelted with stones and struck repeatedly with wooden sticks before onlookers intervened to de-escalate the violence.

A viral video showing the bloodied victim surrounded by a frantic crowd has since sparked outrage and renewed debate about safety protocols at inter-school sporting events across Ghana.

The investigation is expected to widen as authorities continue to pursue all leads.