Education Minister Calls for Zero Tolerance on School Indiscipline
Haruna Iddrisu emphasizes safe learning environments amid rising concerns over violence and substance abuse in Ghanaian schools.
Nana Yaw Amoako | StatsGH |
2 min read2 min listen
Mr. Iddrisu expressed significant concern over reports of students carrying weapons to school, substance abuse, and incidents of violence. He stressed that schools must not condone such acts of serious misconduct. Discipline remains central to building responsible citizens and fostering national development.
This call comes as Ghana grapples with increasing reports of behavioral issues among students. The trend requires a collective response from parents, schools, and society at large. The conference, titled “Stemming Growing Indiscipline in Schools in an Emerging World,” brought together a wide array of stakeholders. These included education administrators, teachers, parents, traditional and religious leaders, and policymakers.
Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, earlier highlighted that education should focus on character formation, integrity, and responsible citizenship, not just academic excellence. He advocated for stronger parental involvement, effective school leadership, and guidance and counseling. These measures are crucial for addressing indiscipline among learners.
Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), acknowledged implementation challenges. These challenges relate to child-friendly disciplinary measures, safeguarding policies, and guidance and counseling systems. These systems were introduced following the abolition of corporal punishment in 2017. He noted that the growing influence of technology, social media, and changing societal values necessitates stronger collaboration among all parties.
Professor Fatuma Nyaguthii Chege, a Kenyan educationist from Kenyatta University, advocated for a whole-community approach. She urged stakeholders to focus on developing self-discipline through guidance, counseling, and parental involvement. This approach moves beyond relying solely on punishment. The conference continued with breakout sessions to develop practical measures.
Recommendations from these sessions will help shape policies aimed at strengthening discipline within Ghana’s education system. The Ministry of Education will review these proposals to ensure a comprehensive strategy. This strategy will address the complex factors contributing to student misconduct. The outcome will influence future educational reforms and resource allocation. It will also impact the overall learning environment for thousands of Ghanaian students.