Rising Indiscipline in Schools Now a Security Threat – Stakeholders Alarmed
Accra, Sept. 23 — Concerns are mounting over the growing wave of indiscipline in schools across Ghana, with education stakeholders warning that the trend now poses a significant threat to security, teaching, and learning. From student-on-student violence to attacks on teachers and school property, a number of incidents have highlighted the increasingly unsafe atmosphere within educational institutions.
Recent reports have documented cases of students bringing weapons such as machetes and knives into school, engaging in violent clashes, and physically assaulting school staff. Headteachers and education officials say they are struggling to maintain order, citing lack of authority, insufficient staffing, and unclear disciplinary policies.
Education unions including NAGRAT and GNAT have called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education to act urgently. They have demanded a review of disciplinary regulations and the introduction of more robust enforcement mechanisms, including the possible expulsion of violent students. Some school heads have also advocated for the creation of a dedicated police unit to maintain safety on school campuses.
Experts point to a range of contributing factors: weakened disciplinary frameworks following the ban on corporal punishment, inadequate supervision due to teacher shortages, increasing exposure to societal and political violence, and the absence of mental health support. Additionally, many teachers report that parents often undermine school authority, further complicating discipline.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu recently described the situation as alarming and has tasked the GES to take decisive action to restore order and safeguard schools. Civil society organizations, including EduWatch and the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC), have echoed calls for urgent intervention, warning that continued inaction could have long-term implications for the nation’s social fabric.
While there were unconfirmed reports today of a United Nations official raising alarm over the issue, no official statement from a UN Coordinator has been verified. However, the problem aligns with broader UN concerns around safe and inclusive learning environments.
As the debate intensifies, calls for reforms are growing louder — but observers warn that without consistent enforcement, adequate resources, and political will, the situation may worsen.
