According to Ghana News Agency:ccording to Ghana News Agency, severe budgetary limitations hampered critical aspects of the festival's operation, affecting everything from transportation to security. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, "The zone simply does not have the money to fuel the buses, the motorcycles, and pay the police officers needed for traffic control and security."
The host school, with a legacy in both academics and sports, is facing deteriorating sports infrastructure. A former student expressed disappointment at the current state of facilities, saying, "We used to be proud of our football pitch and running tracks, but today, we can't even host a decent Volleyball game."
Insufficient funding negatively impacted the organization, logistics, and overall scope of the games. Organizers struggled to maintain schedules, while schools and athletes faced challenges competing under subpar conditions. Essential declarations, such as the overall best-performing school and other honors, were not announced due to poor visibility at the sports ceremony.
Inadequate facilities hindered records breaking this year, with equipment shortages evident. Individual students' mattresses were used in place of a proper landing mat for the high jump event. The absence of basic sporting necessities drew criticism from several quarters.
A significant issue was the lack of ambulance service on-site throughout the sports festival, sparking safety fears among parents and school authorities. One concerned parent remarked, "It's unacceptable to have hundreds of students competing without basic medical support on standby."
Security challenges also emerged when a group of former students became unruly during the sporting ceremony. The swift intervention by police officers averted potential chaos, with a few individuals arrested to restore calm.
Additionally, the festival's iconic cross-country race was canceled this year. Investigations by GNA revealed that insufficient funds prevented the fueling of escort vehicles and provision of police traffic control. An official disclosed on condition of anonymity, "Without logistical support, we simply couldn't guarantee the safety of the athletes on public roads."
As the event concluded, the challenges faced throughout the week left a sour impression on participants. One coach passionately appealed for better investment in school sports infrastructure and logistics, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the tradition of inter-school competitions. "Our students deserve better," the coach insisted. "Without proper support and infrastructure, we risk losing the very spirit of school sports."
Attention now turns to education and sports authorities at local, political, and government levels to address the issues that marred the festival and ensure a safer, better-organized event in the future.
