Accra Academy flogging: GNAT blames decline in student discipline on weak school authority
"Unfortunately, that teacher is no longer with us. Last year, we also saw on social media how a student in the Ashanti Region used a device to hit a teacher in the eye. If we, as a nation, do not put in place measures to support those implementing government policies—teachers—we will face even worse situations.
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The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has attributed the growing indiscipline among senior high school students to the diminishing authority of school administrators and a lack of parental involvement in shaping children’s behaviour.
This concern follows a disturbing viral video showing a student from Accra Academy wielding a cutlass to flog two of his peers.
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The students involved have since been handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation, according to the school’s management.
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Speaking to JoyNews, GNAT President Rev. Isaac Owusu stressed the urgent need to restore the authority of head teachers and educators to maintain discipline effectively.
“The authority exists on paper, but when a head teacher genuinely tries to enforce it, some parents react violently.”
He cited an instance where a teacher was attacked by a student’s family after trying to correct him.
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“Unfortunately, that teacher is no longer with us. Last year, we also saw on social media how a student in the Ashanti Region used a device to hit a teacher in the eye. If we, as a nation, do not put in place measures to support those implementing government policies—teachers—we will face even worse situations.
“How can a student take a machete and attack a fellow student? Authority must not remain just on paper,” Rev. Owusu lamented.
He also emphasised the need for increased sensitisation efforts to instill good behaviour among students, urging both parents and teachers to take an active role in curbing misconduct.
“Parents, as caretakers, must guide their children and discourage them from engaging in such unruly behaviour. As teachers, we must continue encouraging and educating students on the importance of good conduct.
“Every student should think about their future. Through consistent engagement and sensitisation, we may not be able to eradicate indiscipline entirely, but we can certainly minimise it,” he said.
Source: myjoyonline.com
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