By Clement Akoloh | Parliament House, Accra
ACCRA, Ghana – The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that Government will convene a National Conference on indiscipline in pre-tertiary schools before the end of July as part of sweeping measures to address the growing incidents of violence, drug abuse, examination malpractice and other acts of misconduct in Ghana’s schools.
The Minister made the announcement on the Floor of Parliament while responding to a supplementary question from the Member of Parliament for Kwadaso, Prof. Kingsley Nyarko, who sought updates on government’s plans to curb the increasing cases of indiscipline in senior high schools.
Describing the situation as “alarming,” Hon. Iddrisu said recent incidents involving students carrying firearms, dealing in narcotic drugs and assaulting teachers threaten the country’s educational system and undermine the values expected of Ghanaian children.
“The incidence of indiscipline in our educational institutions is alarming. When you see a Ghanaian student wield a gun in a secondary school, that cannot be the training of a Ghanaian child,” the Minister told Parliament.
He noted that Government considers the issue a national concern requiring the collective involvement of educators, parents, religious bodies and policymakers.
According to him, the planned national conference will bring together academics, educationists, teacher unions, faith-based organisations, and other stakeholders to develop practical recommendations to restore discipline in schools.
The Minister further revealed that Government is reviewing the existing disciplinary framework to grant the Ghana Education Service (GES) stronger powers to deal decisively with serious misconduct.
“We may have to rethink and review our punishment regime and clothe the Ghana Education Service with authority to deal ruthlessly with any student who misbehaves,” he stated.
Hon. Iddrisu disclosed that the Ministry of Education is also finalising three key policy instruments to strengthen discipline and improve safety in schools. These include a Behavioural Standards Guide for Learners, a revised Teachers’ Code of Conduct, and a National Safe Schools Policy, which will guide school authorities in handling disciplinary issues across the country.
The Minister argued that changes to disciplinary practices over the years have weakened deterrence, contributing to a rise in student misconduct.
He cited recent incidents, including the alleged destruction of CCTV cameras at Prempeh College, reports of students selling marijuana on school campuses, and an assault on a teacher supervising the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) after the teacher refused to assist candidates during the examination.
Raising the matter, Prof. Kingsley Nyarko welcomed the Minister’s assurances and urged Government to move swiftly to implement the proposed reforms.
“We look forward to seeing you next week for the plans you have to deal a deadly blow to this menace affecting our pre-tertiary institutions,” the Kwadaso MP said.
Hon. Iddrisu informed the House that a comprehensive ministerial statement outlining the outcomes of the proposed national conference and the roadmap for implementing the reforms will be presented to Parliament next week.
The proposed measures are expected to spark wider national debate on balancing discipline, students’ rights and safe learning environments, while strengthening the authority of school administrators to maintain order in Ghana’s educational institutions.
Source: parliamentnews360.com
