Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has called for a thorough review of Ghana’s educational policies following the recent violent clash at Zuarungu Senior High School.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Tuesday, July 22, Mr. Atanga attributed the increasing cases of student violence in schools to a decline in discipline.
According to him, the current system limits teachers’ ability to enforce discipline, which has contributed to the growing indiscipline among students.
“I think that we have to re-look at our educational policies. When we were schooling in the secondary schools, discipline was so high, and the management of the schools were in the hands of the teachers. But because of the orientation today, that it is highly impossible for the teachers to even punish students or discipline students. It makes it difficult for them to control them. And it is possible for you to have seen a student doing something wrong. And if the teacher doesn’t take time, he will be brought to book rather. I think that we have to re-look at those things.”
Mr. Atanga emphasized that while he is not advocating for excessive or abusive punishment, students should not be given unchecked freedom that undermines authority in schools.
“we are not calling for some teachers to be extreme in punishing students unwarrantedly. But the issue is also that we should not give students too much power so that they will become indiscipline. So it is the indiscipline that brings about all this,” he added.
On Monday, July 21, the Minister ordered the immediate closure of Zuarungu SHS until further notice, following violent clashes on Sunday, July 20.
The disturbance—initially reported as a tribal conflict between Frafra and Kusasi students—was later clarified to be a result of a dispute over a stolen mobile phone.
The clash escalated into a large-scale brawl, leading to the destruction of school property, including the burning of some structures.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident and working to restore calm on campus.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh
