You have our full backing on student discipline – Deputy Education Minister to Basic School Headteachers

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has assured headteachers that the government will fully support them in enforcing discipline to maintain order in schools.

Speaking on behalf of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu at the 5th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the Conference of Heads of Basic Schools (COHBS) in Koforidua on Wednesday, Dr. Apaak said headteachers should confidently enforce school rules and assured them of the government’s unwavering support.

“I want to assure you, without reservation, that you have the fullest backing of the Honourable Minister and the Ministry of Education in doing so. Where you act within the rules to enforce discipline and sanction students engaged in indisciplinary conduct, Government stands squarely behind you,” he said.

Dr. Apaak said the rising incidence of indiscipline in schools had become a national concern, requiring decisive action by school leaders.

He urged headteachers not to delay in addressing misconduct, stressing that maintaining discipline is essential to protecting the learning environment.

“I urge every headteacher in this hall not to wait to act. Enforce the rules of your schools firmly and fairly, today and every day,” he stated.

The Deputy Minister further encouraged school heads to take the necessary disciplinary measures to safeguard students, teachers and the authority of schools.

“Do not hesitate to take the disciplinary steps necessary to protect the learning environment, the safety of your students, and the authority of your teachers,” he added.

According to Dr. Apaak, the seriousness of the challenge is reflected in the Education Minister’s decision to chair a separate national conference on school indiscipline in Sunyani at the same time the COHBS conference was taking place.

“Good governance and firm, fair discipline are two sides of the same coin, and neither can succeed without the other,” he noted.

Dr. Apaak said schools could not tackle the problem alone and called on parents, faith-based organisations and communities to support efforts to instill discipline in children.

He also urged headteachers to embrace their expanding role as governance and instructional leaders, saying their leadership remains critical to improving learning outcomes and successfully implementing government education reforms.