Education authorities in Ghana are urging parents to collaborate more closely with schools to address rising cases of student indiscipline, emphasising that strong partnerships between parents and teachers are critical to shaping character and ensuring academic success.
The call comes amid growing concerns over misconduct in senior high schools, with recent incidents involving assaults on teachers and students, as well as weapons being discovered on campuses. Public debate has intensified, with some critics linking the trend to the ban on corporal punishment, while others argue that parents share responsibility, particularly when they challenge disciplinary measures through legal action.
Addressing the issue at the launch of St. Monica’s Senior High School’s 80th anniversary celebrations in the Ashanti Region, Dr. William Amankra Appiah, Ashanti Regional Director of Education, said: “Discipline remains essential to shaping character and achieving academic success. Parents must support teachers in correcting misconduct instead of resorting immediately to lawsuits. You cannot monitor your child at all times; schools are here to guide them using modern methods of correction.” He urged parents to recognise the challenges of managing large student populations and to allow educators to enforce discipline fairly and consistently.
Dr. Amankra Appiah also highlighted the importance of sustained investment in girls’ education, particularly in digital and technological infrastructure, to prepare young women for a competitive global landscape. “Education of women is not only vocational; there are women excelling in science, medicine and biotechnology. We must encourage more girls to enter these sectors to ensure balanced participation,” he said.
Reinforcing this view, Dr. Phyllis Tawiah of the KNUST School of Medical Sciences called for stronger empowerment of girls in science and technology. “It is no longer enough for girls to be in classrooms. They must also be in laboratories, working alongside male counterparts to become future architects of digital infrastructure and authors of our laws,” she said.
As part of its 80th anniversary celebrations, St. Monica’s plans to unveil an ultramodern ICT and library centre to promote girls’ education. Authorities are calling on parents, alumni, and community members to support the initiative, highlighting the dual importance of discipline and investment in education to prepare students for future challenges.
