Accra: Professor Eugene Kofuor Maafo Darteh, an education expert, has called for swift coordinated action among heads of second-cycle schools, teachers, parents, and old students to address the rising ‘crisis’ of indiscipline. This includes issues highlighted by the Ghana Education Service (GES) report, which noted a 16 percent increase in indiscipline cases, and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) report, which recorded over 40 percent bullying among Senior High School (SHS) students.
According to Ghana News Agency, other concerns in second-cycle institutions include attacks on teachers and peers, smoking, wielding weapons, gambling, and operating Ponzi schemes. Prof. Darteh attributed the insubordination to several factors, including the erosion of teacher authority, teachers’ fear of enforcing rules due to potential backlash, and a breakdown of family structures. He also noted that outsourcing moral guidance to schools, social media, and peer pressure are contributing to the issue.
Prof. Darteh spoke at the 2025 commemoration of the Feast of St. Augustine in Accra, organized by Old Students of St. Augustine’s College, under the theme: ‘Dealing with the Scourge of Rising Indiscipline in Our Second-Cycle Institutions: The Way Forward.’ He expressed concern over vandalism, examination malpractices, and physical assaults, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
Highlighting the wisdom of educator Dr. Kwegyir Aggrey, Prof. Darteh warned that educating the minds of the youth without their hearts could lead to negative national development. He advocated for integrating ethics and values into all subjects and school activities to touch both the minds and hearts of learners.
Prof. Darteh called for the empowerment of teachers and administrators with legal backing and autonomy to enforce discipline fairly, alongside training in adolescent psychology. He also suggested that Parent-Teacher Association meetings focus on student behavior and parenting strategies to foster collaboration.
He proposed mandatory workshops on digital citizenship, cautioning that merely banning mobile phones is unsustainable. Stressing the importance of discipline, he stated, ‘A nation whose young people are not disciplined is on the path of failure. Let us act and act now. The future of our nation depends on it.’
Reverend Fr. Dr. Patrick Godfred Appiah, Headmaster of St. Augustine’s College, emphasized the link between academic excellence and discipline. He advocated for establishing clear rules and consequences to instill responsibility and accountability in students. Additionally, he recommended implementing counseling programs, peer mediation, and restorative justice practices to help students develop empathy and resolve conflicts.