The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has called for an immediate multi-stakeholder meeting to address the escalating indiscipline in Senior High Schools nationwide.
Thomas Tanko Musah, General Secretary of GNAT, expressed deep concern over the erosion of character, conscience, and values among students. He emphasised the need for urgent action, stating that the situation is critical.
“We need to organise a stakeholder meeting, which must be done now; time is not on our side. It is dangerous to train someone with knowledge and skills without instilling values,” Musah said in an interview with TV3 on Thursday, September 5.
The GNAT is particularly troubled by the growing arrogance and misconduct among students, drawing a comparison to the country’s current scale of illegal mining (galamsey).
Musah highlighted alarming issues, such as students bringing mobile phones and even weapons to school, indicating a severe breakdown in discipline.
The association has urged the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Parent-Teacher Association, and other relevant bodies to convene an urgent discussion to address the worsening problem.
Musah’s call for action follows the tragic death of Edward Borketey Sackey, a final-year student at O’Reilly Senior High School, who was allegedly stabbed by a fellow student named Godwin.
The incident occurred on Monday, September 2, shortly after Sackey completed an exam. According to witnesses, the altercation was sparked by a dispute over whose father was wealthier.
Sackey, who was stabbed three times in the chest, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Godwin, 18, has been charged with murder and has been remanded in police custody for two weeks. He will appear in court again on September 19, 2024.
The GNAT’s call for an urgent meeting underscores the pressing need to address the systemic issues contributing to rising indiscipline in schools and to restore a culture of respect and responsibility among students.
