BY Grace Zigah
What was meant to be a celebration of youth, talent, and school pride at the Ashanti Regional Super Zonals has been overshadowed by violence, arrests, and heightened security, after serious disturbances erupted at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
The Super Zonals, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious inter-school sporting events on the secondary school calendar, brought together top schools from across the region for track and field competitions and other sporting activities.
However, the festive atmosphere quickly degenerated into chaos when rivalries between students escalated into open violence.
On Wednesday, 25 February 2026, six students from Islamic Senior High School were arrested after allegedly attacking students from Kumasi High School with stones during the heat of competition.
The incident occurred in the middle of the track and field events, a period traditionally marked by intense cheering and school pride, but which on this occasion turned hostile and dangerous.
Security forces stationed at the stadium, supported by plainclothes officers from national security, intervened swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating into a full-scale riot.
The rapid response led to the arrest of the six students, who were taken into police custody as calm was gradually restored.
Confirming the incident, Samuel Otto, Chief Coordinator and Public Relations Officer of the Ashanti Regional Sports Federation, said intelligence officers played a crucial role in containing the violence before it spread across the stadium.
He explained that proactive policing and undercover security presence were decisive in stopping what could have become a mass disturbance involving hundreds of students.
Beyond the student clashes, the disorder created opportunities for criminal elements to exploit the confusion.
According to organisers, several individuals posing as spectators took advantage of the chaos to steal personal belongings from students. These suspects were also arrested and transferred to the Asokwa Police Station for detention and further investigations.
In response, authorities have significantly tightened security around the Super Zonals venue.
More than 300 police officers, supported by three armoured vehicles, have been deployed around the 40,000-capacity stadium to deter further violence and criminal activity.
Organisers say the heavy security presence is aimed not only at preventing clashes but also at protecting students, officials, and spectators.
Despite the disruptions, organisers insist the competition will continue to its conclusion under enhanced security. Officials expressed confidence that the reinforced measures will ensure a peaceful final day of events.
Meanwhile, the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has condemned the violence in strong terms, calling for tougher disciplinary sanctions to protect the integrity of the educational institutions and safeguard students.
The group has renewed calls for schools to prioritise discipline, sportsmanship, and responsible conduct at inter-school events.
As investigations continue, the violence at the Ashanti Super Zonals has reignited a national conversation about student indiscipline, school rivalry, and the urgent need for stronger preventive measures to ensure that school sports remain platforms for unity, development, and healthy competition—not conflict and crime.
