Ghana police investigate viral video of student assault

The Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations into a viral video showing a student being violently attacked. In a statement posted on their official Facebook page today, February 23, the police said they had seen the footage and confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.

“The Ghana Police Service strongly condemns the violence and assures the public that all perpetrators will be identified and brought to justice,” the statement read, adding that further updates would be communicated in due course.

The assault occurred during the District Schools Athletics Games in Agona Swedru on Thursday, February 19, involving a student from Obrachire Senior High Technical School and students from Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS). Reports indicate that the Obrachire student was pelted with stones and beaten with sticks. Videos circulating on social media captured the violent attack before the student was rushed to hospital for treatment.

A teacher from Obrachire SHS confirmed that the matter has been reported to the police, who have launched an inquiry into the case. The incident has sparked serious concern about student safety during inter-school sporting events.

This episode reflects a worrying trend of aggression at school competitions. Previously, a student from Koforidua Senior High Technical School was stabbed during the Eastern Regional Inter-Schools Sports Festival. Similarly, Nkawie Senior High Technical School was banned for two years from all extracurricular activities in the Ashanti Region after its students attacked teams from Osei Tutu Senior High School, Kumasi Technical Institute, and Aduman Senior High School during the Inter-Schools Athletics competition at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The Nkawie SHS ban prohibits participation in external sporting events, Student Representative Council (SRC) activities, and cadet programmes until 2028, reflecting the strict stance against school-related violence.

Authorities continue to call on parents, teachers, and school administrators to enforce strict supervision, uphold discipline, and ensure the safety of students during sporting and other school activities. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Obrachire student later died.

Meanwhile the Ghana Education Service (GES) is yet to comment on the issue.