Ghana Govt Backs School Heads to Enforce Discipline in SHSs

Ghana's Minister of Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has announced a strict zero-tolerance policy against indiscipline in Senior High Schools (SHSs). He assured school administrators that they have the full backing of the Ministry of Education, the President, and the state to take decisive action against any acts of misconduct.

"School authorities have no excuse not to implement the directives given by the Ministry. Criminality or criminal conduct should never find space in the school environment and should never be tolerated or accommodated," Iddrisu stated. He emphasized that such behavior compromises the safety and security of the learning environment.

The Minister made these remarks at a two-day National Conference on Curbing Indiscipline in Senior High Schools in Sunyani. The conference brings together educators, parents, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners to identify the root causes of indiscipline and formulate practical, sustainable solutions.

Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, pointed to modernization, insufficient parental involvement, and weakening societal support systems as contributing factors to behavioral issues among students. He stressed the importance of parents modeling the values they expect from their children, rather than solely relying on teachers.

The conference aims to develop recommendations that will inform a comprehensive policy document and a national framework to promote discipline and values-based education. Participants are expected to explore ways to instill positive Ghanaian values such as punctuality, hard work, honesty, responsibility, and integrity in students, preparing them for responsible citizenship.

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School authorities have no excuse not to implement the directives given by the Ministry. Criminality or criminal conduct should never find space in the school environment and should never be tolerated or accommodated. When that happens, the school environment becomes insecure and unsafe for learning.