Accra: Political Aide to Dr. Bawumia, Kofi Tonto, has issued a warning that violent incidents and hooliganism among senior high school students are likely to persist and potentially worsen unless education and security authorities update their strategies for prevention and discipline.
According to Ghana Web, Tonto stressed on the AM Show on JoyNews that as Ghanaian youth gain greater access to advanced technology and global media, the nature of crime will also evolve, rendering traditional disciplinary systems inadequate. He emphasized the need for modernized procedures and mechanisms to combat the advancing degree of violence. Tonto's cautionary statements come amid growing concerns over violent behaviors at school sporting events throughout the country.
Concerns have been amplified by a recent Regional Super Zonal Sports Competition held from February 4-6, 2026, where the Ghana Education Service (GES) confirmed incidents of stabbing and alleged gang-rape involving students from various senior high schools in the Eastern Region. The GES condemned these actions, stating that such behaviors have no place within the educational system. In response, GES imposed a two-year ban on Koforidua Senior High Technical School, New Juaben Senior High School, and New Nsutam Senior High Technical School from participating in all sports, debates, cadetting, and entertainment activities, along with a fine of GHS500 for each school for 'acts of hooliganism.'
In a more recent event, a District Schools Athletics Games at Agona Swedru on February 19, 2026, ended in violence. A student from Obrachire Senior High Technical School was hospitalized after being attacked with stones and sticks during a clash with students from the Swedru School of Business. This incident, which was captured on viral social media footage, has prompted a police investigation and widespread condemnation.
Tonto highlighted the inadequacy of current GES rules and questioned whether they are 'modern enough' to address the scale and complexity of today's student violence. He advocated for professional training in crowd management and intelligence, suggesting that National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) officers and security personnel could play vital roles in preventive oversight. Tonto also pointed out the impact of social media and international crime videos, which may influence the behavior of some young individuals. He warned that without deliberate modernization to match the current sophistication level of youth, the situation could deteriorate further.