An Upper East Regional communications team member of the New Patriotic Party has called for stronger disciplinary measures in Ghanaian schools, arguing that declining discipline is contributing to poor student behavior and academic performance.
Speaking on Dreamz FM’s Breakfast Today program, Dr. Samuel Akonga said restrictions on corporal punishment and other disciplinary measures have weakened teachers’ authority in schools.
He argued that some students have become increasingly difficult to manage because teachers fear sanctions if they attempt to discipline learners.
“Teachers should be empowered to maintain discipline within reasonable limits,” Dr Akonga said.
According to him, growing access to social media, smartphones and online content has exposed young people to influences that were less common in previous generations.
He also blamed declining parental involvement for some of the disciplinary challenges facing schools.
Dr Akonga said many parents focus primarily on providing material needs while paying less attention to their children’s behavior, academic performance and social development.
He urged parents to work closely with schools and teachers to address indiscipline and support the moral development of children.
The NPP communicator further called for a broader national conversation on discipline, arguing that schools alone cannot address the problem without support from families and communities.
Education stakeholders have increasingly debated how schools should balance child protection policies with maintaining discipline and promoting positive behavior among students.
