The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has outlined a series of strict measures aimed at addressing rising indiscipline in Ghana’s schools, warning that incidents involving weapons, drug use and assaults on teachers pose a serious threat to the education system and national values.
Responding to questions on the floor of Parliament, Mr. Iddrisu described reports of students carrying firearms to school, vandalising CCTV installations, selling cannabis on campuses, and attacking teachers during the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) as deeply concerning and unacceptable.
He stressed that such behaviour undermines the core purpose of education and reflects a broader breakdown in discipline that requires urgent national attention.
To address the situation, the Minister announced that government will convene a national conference before the end of July, bringing together education stakeholders, religious leaders, academics, teachers, parents and civil society actors to develop strategies to restore discipline in schools.
He noted that discipline in schools cannot be the sole responsibility of the Ghana Education Service (GES), but must be supported by families and communities.
“Parenting and socialisation are shared responsibilities involving the father, the teacher and the community,” he said.
Mr. Iddrisu further disclosed that government is reviewing the disciplinary framework within the education sector to strengthen the authority of school heads and the GES in dealing with misconduct.
Under the proposed measures, students who vandalise school property or attack teachers will face stricter sanctions, while those found engaging in drug-related activities on school campuses risk dismissal.
“A drug dealer on campus will poison the rest,” he cautioned, emphasising the need for firm enforcement of school regulations.
He added that years of relaxed disciplinary systems have contributed to growing indiscipline, stressing the need to empower the GES to enforce codes of conduct more effectively.
The Minister also revealed ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry for the Interior and the Narcotics Control Commission to disrupt drug networks operating in schools.
Citing an incident at Prempeh College where students allegedly destroyed CCTV cameras installed to enhance security, he said such acts highlight the urgency of behavioural reform and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
Mr. Iddrisu maintained that restoring discipline is critical to safeguarding the future of Ghana, stressing that schools must remain safe environments for teaching, learning and character development.
