Kofi Bentil, a senior lawyer and Vice President of IMANI Africa, has sharply criticised growing parental excesses, stating they undermine discipline in Ghana's schools. He argues these actions contribute to a breakdown in student accountability.
Bentil spoke on the program Newsfile, asserting that certain parental behaviours weaken institutional efforts. These efforts aim to raise responsible young people in Ghana. He specifically questioned the practice of parents providing expensive items such as cars to students at school. He called this an "obscene thing."
This criticism comes amidst heightened public concern over several recent incidents in Ghana's education sector. On June 11, 2026, authorities found the body of Emmanuel Arthur, a 17-year-old Mfantsipim School student, in Cape Coast. Police later indicated the case appeared to be suicide, with investigations ongoing. Additionally, the Ghana Education Service launched an investigation after a video, allegedly involving a teacher and student at Bole Senior High School, circulated online. The teacher has since been interdicted pending disciplinary processes. The community of the University of Cape Coast was also affected by the death of Level 200 student Innocentia Avinu, whose body was discovered near Hutchland Beach Resort. Police have arrested a suspect in connection with that case.
Bentil highlighted an unverified but widely discussed claim about a parent using a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter to pick up a child from senior high school. He acknowledged this claim remains unconfirmed by sector authorities and may be fabricated or AI-generated. Nonetheless, he believes its circulation reflects deeper societal concerns about discipline. He stated this anecdote, regardless of its truth, points to significant worries about how current societal attitudes affect the upbringing of Ghanaian youth.
Bentil urged caution against despair, stating that these issues reflect long-standing societal challenges. They do not represent a sudden collapse of fundamental values. He emphasised that every generation typically critiques the one before it. Today's students are navigating a more complex environment shaped by technology and evolving social norms. These factors influence their behaviour and choices.
The discussion around parental involvement and school discipline is crucial for Ghana's future human capital development. A lack of accountability in schools can affect academic outcomes and the quality of the future workforce. Businesses and the labour market rely on well-disciplined and responsible individuals. Therefore, a breakdown in educational discipline could have long-term economic implications. Stakeholders like the Ghana Education Service and parent-teacher associations will need to address these concerns. Their responses will define how the education sector tackles these challenges. Policymakers will likely consider measures to reinforce discipline and parental responsibility in schools. Such actions are vital for ensuring Ghana's youth are well-prepared for their roles in society and the economy.