The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced a firm crackdown on rising indiscipline and drug-related activities in Ghana’s pre-tertiary schools, warning that students who engage in misconduct will face stringent sanctions, including outright dismissal.
Speaking in Parliament in response to a question on measures to promote discipline in educational institutions, the Minister described the situation in some schools as deeply worrying and unacceptable.
He said recent incidents of student violence, destruction of school property, and substance abuse on school campuses point to a growing crisis that requires urgent intervention from both government and stakeholders.
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According to him, there have been reported cases of students assaulting teachers, disrupting examinations, and deliberately undermining school authority, actions he said cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
The Minister further expressed concern over the presence of drugs, including cannabis, in some secondary schools, warning that such activities threaten the safety and future of students.
He stressed that government, through the Ghana Education Service (GES), is reviewing disciplinary frameworks to ensure that offenders face swift and decisive punishment.
Haruna Iddrisu indicated that measures under consideration include the introduction of behavioural standards for learners, a revised code of conduct for teachers, and stronger enforcement mechanisms and sanctions within schools.
He also revealed plans for a national stakeholder conference involving religious leaders, education experts, security agencies, and civil society groups to develop long-term solutions to the problem.
The Minister emphasised that discipline in schools is a shared responsibility between parents, teachers, and government, adding that moral upbringing at home plays a critical role in shaping student behaviour.
He assured Parliament that the government remains committed to restoring discipline, improving school environments, and protecting both teachers and students from violent and disruptive conduct.