Six students of Islamic Senior High School are in police custody after allegedly pelting students of Kumasi High School with stones during the Ashanti Regional Super Zonals at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, during track and field events, when heightened school rivalry degenerated into violence. Security personnel, supported by plainclothes officers from National Intelligence Bureau, intervened swiftly to prevent a wider disturbance.
Samuel Otto, Chief Coordinator and Public Relations Officer of the Ashanti Regional Sports Federation, confirmed the arrests in an interview with Citi News, saying police moved in quickly with support from intelligence officers to restore order.
Beyond the clashes between students, security personnel also intercepted suspected thieves who attempted to exploit the confusion to steal personal belongings from spectators and students. Those arrested in connection with theft were transferred to the Asokwa Police Station for further investigations.
The disturbances follow recent incidents of rowdyism at inter-school sports events in the region, including reports of damaged stadium seats in earlier clashes, raising concerns about worsening indiscipline at school competitions.
Despite the disruptions, organisers say the competition will continue, with visibly reinforced security around the 40,000-seater venue, including a heavy police presence and armoured patrol vehicles to deter further violence.
The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools has condemned the incident and renewed calls for stiffer sanctions against students involved in violence at sporting events, warning that persistent rowdyism threatens the safety of participants and the integrity of school sports.
