Education Minister Demands Tougher School Discipline
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to enforce stricter disciplinary measures in schools to address the growing incidence of student misconduct and safeguard the country’s educational environment.
Speaking at the National Schools Awards, the Minister expressed deep concern over increasing reports of indiscipline in schools, including assaults on teachers, vandalism, bullying, drug abuse and other forms of misconduct that undermine teaching and learning.
According to Mr. Iddrisu, discipline remains a fundamental pillar of quality education and must not be compromised. He stressed that schools should be safe environments where both teachers and students can carry out their responsibilities without fear of intimidation or violence.
He said the government would not tolerate acts of indiscipline in educational institutions and urged the Ghana Education Service to apply existing regulations firmly and consistently to deter misconduct.
The Minister noted that recent incidents involving attacks on teachers, destruction of school property and drug-related offences are deeply troubling and require swift intervention by school authorities.
He emphasized that disciplinary measures should not only punish offenders but also serve as a deterrent to other students while helping to restore order, respect and responsibility within schools.
Mr. Iddrisu further called on parents, teachers, school administrators and communities to work together in promoting discipline and instilling positive values in young people, stressing that character development is as important as academic achievement.
The Education Minister also appealed to the Ghana Police Service to intensify efforts to locate and arrest a teacher at Bole Senior High School who is alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct with a student.
Describing the alleged incident as shocking and unacceptable, Mr. Iddrisu said any educator who abuses the trust placed in them has no place in Ghana’s education system.
He insisted that the suspect must be apprehended and made to face the full rigours of the law, adding that government remains committed to protecting the rights, safety and dignity of students across the country.
The Minister stressed that schools must remain secure environments where learners are protected from all forms of abuse, exploitation and violence.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening discipline, accountability and professionalism throughout the education sector to ensure that schools continue to provide safe and conducive environments for effective teaching and learning.
Mr. Iddrisu expressed confidence that stronger collaboration among the Ghana Education Service, law enforcement agencies, parents and other stakeholders would help restore discipline in schools while protecting students and preserving public confidence in Ghana’s education system.
