Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has called on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to lead a national campaign against indiscipline in schools. This appeal was made during the 150th anniversary durbar of Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast. Iddrisu emphasized the need for traditional rulers, church and Muslim leaders, parents, and students to support the campaign. He noted that indiscipline in schools is a growing and unacceptable issue that requires a collective effort to address.
The Education Minister's appeal comes a day after he established a committee, chaired by the Catholic Church, to advise the government on improving discipline in schools. The committee is expected to provide guidance on how to address the growing indiscipline in schools across the country. Iddrisu stressed that discipline is not limited to the classroom, but has far-reaching implications for society, including the reduction of corruption and the promotion of respect for authority.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference in Ghana has also expressed concern about the state of discipline in schools. In a communiqué from their plenary in Jamasi, the bishops listed violence, disrespect for authority, exam malpractice, and vandalism as some of the problems facing schools, including their own mission schools. This concern is shared by the Education Minister, who has been working to address the issue.
Iddrisu has taken a firm stance on indiscipline in schools, declaring zero tolerance for the issue. In July, he invited debate on whether corporal punishment should return as a means of addressing indiscipline. More recently, he referred a case of indiscipline at Obuasi Senior High Technical School to the Attorney-General, the Interior Minister, and the police CID, as the ministry is not a court.
The Education Minister has also taken steps to strengthen the Code of Conduct for the Ghana Education Service (GES). In Parliament, he stated that the government wants to give the GES Code of Conduct the force of law, following an incident in which two teachers at a junior high school in the Ashanti Region allegedly fought on school premises.
Iddrisu's efforts to address indiscipline in schools have been ongoing. In July, he attended a national conference on indiscipline in Sunyani, where he emphasized the need for a collective effort to address the issue. The minister's initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including traditional rulers and church leaders.
The campaign against indiscipline in schools is expected to receive support from various stakeholders, including parents, students, and traditional rulers. The Education Minister's efforts aim to promote a culture of discipline in schools, which he believes is essential for the development of the country. The success of this campaign will depend on the collective effort of all stakeholders involved.
Key points
- Haruna Iddrisu urges Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to lead a national campaign against indiscipline in schools.
