NAGRAT 14th Delegates Conference: We will curb violence against teachers – Dr. Apaak 

The Ministry of Education says it is rolling out firm, coordinated measures to curb rising violence and indiscipline against teachers, particularly in second-cycle schools across the country.

Addressing the 14th Delegates Conference of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) in Sunyani, Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Clement Apaak said teacher safety had become a national priority that demanded stronger systems, clearer discipline structures and unified stakeholder action.

Dr. Apaak lauded NAGRAT’s 25-year contribution to teacher welfare and professionalism, describing the association as “a solid rock that has consistently championed the voice of graduate teachers.”

He warned that increasing cases of verbal abuse, harassment and threats against teachers undermined learning outcomes and eroded respect for the profession.

“We cannot expect teachers to give their best when they feel unsafe or undervalued,” he said. “Incidents of disrespect and physical threats do not only affect the individual teacher; they disrupt the entire learning environment and weaken the foundations of discipline.”

The Deputy Minister said the Ministry, working through the Ghana Education Service (GES), was reinforcing disciplinary frameworks to ensure fairness, transparency and consistent application across schools.

“Our responsibility is to provide clear, actionable policies and robust support systems,” he said. “We are strengthening reporting mechanisms and expanding legal and psychological support for affected educators.”

He announced that Parent-Teacher Associations would be given greater authority to help address behavioural issues, noting that discipline was a shared responsibility.

He also confirmed the decision to reintroduce routine searches in senior high schools, a practice halted in 2017, to help curb weapons, contraband and activities that compromise safety.

Turning to school leadership, Dr. Apaak urged heads of institutions to enforce rules confidently, assuring them of full backing from Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu.

“Heads of second-cycle institutions must assert firm control over student behaviour,” he said. “The Ministry will not tolerate acts of indiscipline in our schools.”

He further appealed to parents and community leaders to reinforce values of respect and responsibility at home. “Charity begins at home,” he noted. “Parents must work with schools rather than confront them when issues arise.”

Dr. Apaak encouraged NAGRAT members to maintain professionalism and apply disciplinary measures fairly, adding that safe schools ultimately benefit students most.

He said the conference should trigger renewed commitment to school safety, stressing that protecting teachers was essential to protecting Ghana’s educational future.