Dr. Apaak backs NAGRAT to instill strict student discipline

Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Clement Apaak has thrown his full support behind the National Association of Graduate Teachers’ (NAGRAT) efforts to instill firm discipline among students in second-cycle schools.

Speaking at the 14th Delegates Conference of NAGRAT in Sunyani, Dr. Apaak praised the association’s 25-year contribution to teacher welfare and said the country must confront rising cases of disrespect, verbal abuse and threats against teachers.

He described the situation as a serious threat to learning, warning that no education system can thrive when teachers feel unsafe.

According to him, the ministry is strengthening disciplinary structures to protect educators.

“Our role is to provide clear, actionable policies and robust support systems,” he said. “We must ensure that disciplinary frameworks are consistently applied, fair and transparent, protecting both the student’s right to an education and the teacher’s right to a safe working environment.”

He added that legal and psychological support mechanisms were being expanded to assist affected teachers.

Dr. Apaak announced several measures, including empowering Parent-Teacher Associations to play a more active role in resolving behavioural issues. He said PTAs would soon be equipped with clearer guidelines to support discipline collaboratively.

Another key intervention, he noted, is the Mahama administration’s decision to reintroduce routine searches of student belongings, a practice he said was necessary to ensure safety on school campuses.

He urged headteachers to exercise firm leadership, emphasising that they had the full backing of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu. “Heads of second-cycle institutions must assert full control over student behaviour without fear or favour,” he said. “The Ministry will not tolerate acts of indiscipline in our schools.”

Dr. Apaak also appealed to parents and community leaders to reinforce discipline at home.

“Charity begins at home,” he said. “The values of respect and responsibility are first taught by families, and we urge parents to collaborate with schools rather than confront them when issues arise.”

NAGRAT members, he noted, play a crucial role through professionalism and restorative disciplinary practices. He stressed that creating safe learning spaces ultimately benefits students, calling discipline “self-respect in action.”

He said the conference should mark a renewed commitment to school safety, urging all parties to protect teachers who “dedicate their lives to protecting Ghana’s future.”