In the face of increasing indiscipline in schools, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, Vice-Chancellor of the Sunyani Technical University is advocating the reinstatement of corporal punishment in schools.
At the 63rd Speech and Prize-Giving Day of the Sunyani Senior High School, Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah expressed grave concern about the growing indiscipline in schools nationwide, attributing the trend to the Ghana Education Service’s 2017 ban on all forms of corporal punishment.
He believes it is crucial for the government to reevaluate its stance on corporal punishment, suggesting that it should be reinstated but closely monitored, only used as a last resort.
Professor Adinkrah-Appiah emphasised the influence of peer pressure on students’ behaviour and raised the question of how to effectively monitor and guide them in schools before they complete their education.
In 2019, the Ghana Education Service (GES) issued a directive prohibiting teachers and school authorities from using corporal punishment. Instead, it advocated the adoption of alternative disciplinary measures and sanctions to correct students, citing the potential physical and emotional harm caused by corporal punishment.
This issue has sparked mixed reactions among education stakeholders.
Foe instance, the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has advised its members to comply with the GES directive, while the Methodist Bishop of Accra cautioned against a complete ban on caning, expressing concerns that it might lead to a breakdown of discipline in schools and society.
