A two-day National Conference on Stemming the Growing Indiscipline in Schools in an Emerging World has concluded with a call for a coordinated national response. This response aims to address indiscipline and promote safe, respectful, and supportive learning environments across Ghanaian schools. The conference, an initiative of the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, formed part of the government’s broader Reset Agenda.
Participants reached a consensus on the need for a balanced approach to discipline. This approach combines clear rules, legitimate school authority, student rights, parental accountability, and professional conduct. It also includes incentives for positive behavior. A major recommendation was the establishment of a National School Discipline Framework to apply across all levels of education.
This proposed framework is expected to define acceptable behavior, offenses, sanctions, and institutional responsibilities. It will also outline due process and referral procedures for issues including bullying, violence, theft, substance abuse, sexual misconduct, and examination malpractice. This initiative reflects a growing concern about the state of discipline within Ghana's educational system, which has seen various stakeholders calling for intervention.
The conference brought together stakeholders from across the educational sector and wider society. These included teachers, students, parents, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners. Their collective input underscores the widespread recognition that school indiscipline is a complex issue requiring comprehensive solutions beyond individual school efforts.
Participants further called for schools to receive sufficient authority to manage disciplinary matters. School heads and disciplinary committees should be empowered to investigate cases and apply appropriate sanctions promptly. This process must observe due process and safeguard the dignity and rights of learners. This move aims to restore order and accountability at the school level.
The conference also emphasized the need for school rules to reflect and reinforce Ghanaian values. These values include respect, truthfulness, hard work, responsibility, cooperation, integrity, and peaceful conflict resolution. Stakeholders stressed that these values should be reinforced not only in schools but also in homes, communities, religious institutions, and through the media.
Participants proposed a stronger social contract among schools, students, and parents. Learners must understand their rights and responsibilities. Parents must actively support school expectations and participate in disciplinary processes. Student leadership was also identified as an important component, with school prefects and other student leaders to be equipped with skills in peer mediation and restorative justice.
Greater support for teachers and school leaders was also recommended. This includes clearly defined disciplinary authority and continuous professional training in behavior management, counselling, child protection, and professional ethics. The conference further called for functional guidance and counseling services, improved learner support systems, and the deployment of trained security personnel where necessary.
Stakeholders stressed that discipline should not focus solely on sanctions. Schools were encouraged to recognize and incentivize positive behavior. Teachers who take on additional responsibilities in managing discipline should also receive appropriate support and incentives. This holistic approach aims to foster a positive school environment.
Leading the closing ceremony, the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, stated that the conference had moved beyond identifying the causes of indiscipline. It had developed practical solutions and commitments. Dr. Apaak urged participants to return to their communities as ambassadors of positive discipline. He stressed that transforming the culture of discipline extends beyond government and requires the commitment of every stakeholder.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to safe schools, the dignity of teachers, positive discipline, learner wellbeing, and evidence-informed policymaking. Education must produce not only academic excellence but also strong character. This national effort signifies a critical step towards enhancing the quality and integrity of Ghana's educational system for future generations.