We have lost our conscience and character as a nation - GNAT laments state of discipline in schools

Accra, Ghana - 03 Feb, 2025 - The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has sounded the alarm over the deteriorating state of discipline in Ghanaian schools, warning that the situation is at "breaking point".

Thomas Musah, General Secretary of the GNAT, expressed deep concern over the erosion of moral values and discipline in schools, citing a recent disturbing incident at Accra Academy Senior High School where a student used a cutlass to flog two of his peers.

Musah attributed the decline in discipline to the weakening of authority within schools, particularly the diminished role of headteachers and teachers in maintaining order. He lamented the loss of conscience and character in schools, warning that the trend could have dire consequences for the nation if not urgently addressed.

In an interview with Channel One News, the GNAT General Secretary emphasized the need for a collective effort to restore discipline and moral values in schools. He called for the empowerment of headteachers and school administrators to enable them to enforce rules and maintain order effectively.

“As a nation, character and conscience, we have lost it. We are now training people with knowledge, but for their character and conscience, we have lost it. If care is not taken, we will all be in trouble in the coming years. This is something that policymakers must take a serious look at,” he stated.

“When I was in elementary school, the headteacher was so empowered that no student could misbehave in the school. Parents could even come into the schools and report their wards to the teachers. Teachers, at the time, were empowered.

“Today, teachers have been disabled. There are instances where when things happen at the school, the children will go and inform their parents, and they will come to the school and beat up the teacher. So, when things happen, the teachers cannot talk because when they do, either the students or the parents will come after you,” he explained.

“It looks like nobody cares, and we are saying that it is free for all. The earlier we come together and empower the headteachers and school administrators like it used to be, the better for all of us,” he stated.

Source: Lead News Online