Dr. Peter Anti Partey, Executive Director of the Institute for Education Studies (IFEST), has rejected suggestions that corporal punishment should be reinstated to address rising cases of student indiscipline and violence in senior high schools.
His remarks come in the wake of recent clashes among students from Aggrey Memorial SHS, Adisadel College, Swedru School of Business (SWESBUS), Obrachire SHTS, and Kwanyako SHTS during zonal athletics competitions in the Central Region.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, Dr. Partey cautioned against reverting to caning as a disciplinary measure.
“When you talk about corporal punishment, I’m talking about caning the student. And I don’t believe that. Any time you talk about indiscipline, the first default direction that comes to most people’s mind is caning. You caning them would rather lead to a more devastating response that might even end up hurting you, the teacher.”
He explained that today’s students are more assertive and, in some cases, more organised, making physical punishment not only ineffective but potentially risky for teachers.
Dr. Partey argued that the violent incidents at what should have been friendly inter-school sporting events highlight a deeper challenge within the educational system.
He called on stakeholders to focus on reshaping values, strengthening guidance systems, and promoting character development rather than relying on punitive measures.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh

