Ghana Education Service Urges Strict Discipline Enforcement in Schools

School heads in Ghana must rigorously enforce disciplinary measures to curb increasing student indiscipline, according to Professor Smile Gavua Dzisi, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES). Dzisi stated that recent cases of misconduct in public schools are a serious concern and cannot be tolerated. She stressed that school leaders should implement sanctions, including temporary dismissal, for students who violate school rules.

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School heads must ensure that disciplinary measures, such as temporary dismissal and other sanctions consistent with GES regulations, are enforced on students who breach school rules.

Speaking at the 86th anniversary speech and prize-giving day of Odorgonno Senior High School, Professor Dzisi criticized parents who threaten lawsuits when their children face punishment. She highlighted that maintaining discipline is a joint effort between schools and parents, urging parents to instill good behavior at home while teachers manage order during school hours. "Discipline in a school is never the work of a single office; it is a climate, and a climate is created by consistency," she said, appealing for parental support.

Reverend Lawrence Tetteh, the school's Board Chairman, added that teachers should serve as role models through their conduct, appearance, and communication. He assured that while student indiscipline would not be tolerated, the board would also address any teacher actions that harm students. Reverend Tetteh also appealed to the school's alumni to contribute their professional skills, influence, and resources to benefit current students. He encouraged them to mentor students, support academic and infrastructure programs, and promote the school's reputation.

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Discipline in a school is never the work of a single office; it is a climate, and a climate is created by consistency. To parents and guardians, I appeal to you: the school cannot do alone what the home has not begun. Let us stand together on this, for the child who is corrected by everyone is protected by everyone.

Odorgonno Senior High School's Headmaster, Mr. Patrick Mensah, reported significant improvements in discipline, crediting the Students Representative Council for leading initiatives that enhance student welfare. However, he noted that a few students continue to disregard norms, negatively impacting the school's image. He called for continued efforts to ensure all students conform to established standards.

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I call on old students to come to the school and mentor the students, support infrastructure and academic programmes, mobilise resources, promote the school’s reputation and participate fully in its activities.