Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed school authorities to take firm action against students who breach the Ghana Education Service’s (GES) disciplinary code, including dismissals where necessary.
Addressing the press during a mid-year review of education sector policies and government programmes at the Jubilee House, Mr. Iddrisu expressed grave concern over rising acts of indiscipline in some senior high schools across the country.
His remarks follow recent incidents, including the shooting of a student in the eye at SDA Senior High School in Kumasi.
“The government will not compromise on quality education and moral training of students,” Mr. Iddrisu stated, noting that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration has granted the GES full authority to enforce discipline, including dismissing students where appropriate.
He drew comparisons with previous administrations, asserting that unlike in the past, the current government is committed to upholding discipline as an integral part of academic excellence.
The Education Minister also addressed other incidents from the just-ended Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), including the tragic passing of a sickle cell patient during exams and a student involved in an accident who was denied access to the exam centre due to late arrival.
“For us as a ministry and government, that should not truncate the career development and growth of the young person,” he said.
Mr. Iddrisu assured that investigations are ongoing and that the Ministry, in collaboration with the GES and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), would explore possible remedial measures.
Referencing the Sagnarigu incident, the Minister revealed that he had personally engaged WAEC and received a full list of affected students.
“We will look at it much more closely and take remedial actions that assure them of their future. If they lose it now, then they will join street children. That is not desirable and not our wish for them,” he concluded.
