The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has declared zero tolerance against indiscipline and criminal conduct in schools, urging teachers and school authorities to enforce discipline while promoting strong moral values among students.
He made the declaration at the National Conference on Stemming the Growing Indiscipline in Schools, held in Sunyani, where education experts, policymakers, religious leaders, teachers, students, and other stakeholders gathered to discuss practical strategies for addressing rising indiscipline and strengthening character development in Ghana’s educational institutions.
Addressing the conference on July 29, Mr. Iddrisu challenged stakeholders to reflect on whether corporal punishment should be reintroduced as part of efforts to curb growing indiscipline. However, he stressed that the greater priority is rebuilding the moral foundation of young people by instilling values such as honesty, integrity, responsibility, punctuality, and hard work.
The Minister assured teachers and school authorities of the full support of President John Dramani Mahama and the government in maintaining discipline within the confines of the law.
”Today, you have my authority and support, and that of the President and the State, to declare zero tolerance for indiscipline. Criminal conduct should never find space in our schools. Our schools must remain safe, secure and conducive environments for learning,” he said.
Mr. Iddrisu further emphasized that tackling indiscipline requires a collective effort involving parents, teachers, religious leaders, and the wider society. He also underscored the need to uphold religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence as essential values for nurturing responsible future leaders.
”We must reconnect our young people to the values of punctuality, hard work, honesty, responsibility and integrity so they can build a better future for themselves and for Ghana,” he added.
Also speaking at the conference, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, called for a renewed national commitment to restoring discipline in schools.
He cautioned that increasing indiscipline among learners poses a serious threat to Ghana’s future and urged the Ministry of Education to empower teachers to enforce discipline while strengthening guidance, mentorship, and values-based education.
The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, described the conference as an opportunity to unite stakeholders in rebuilding discipline and restoring public confidence in Ghana’s education system.
He urged participants to ensure the gathering becomes a defining moment in the country’s efforts to strengthen values and educational institutions.
Mr. Addae Akwaboa also reaffirmed the Bono Region’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote quality education, discipline, moral values, and the holistic development of young people.
By Claude Kumi Abisa
