Dr. Barnabas Addai Amanfu from the Institute of Educational Studies has expressed profound grief and concern over the recurring issue of indiscipline in senior high schools, highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes in school management and student support.
His remarks followed a tragic incident on Monday at O’Reilly Senior High School, where a final-year student was stabbed to death by a colleague after a brief misunderstanding. This incident, part of a troubling pattern of similar events, has underscored the need for immediate attention to discipline in senior high schools.
Dr. Amanfu pointed out that the problem is deeply rooted in both inadequate home training and the failure of educators to address disciplinary issues effectively. He emphasized that the recurring nature of these incidents suggests a broader systemic issue.
To address these problems, he recommended implementing professional counseling services in schools, starting from the basic education level. He believes that trained counselors are essential for providing necessary support to students and addressing disciplinary issues proactively. “We need to tackle these issues from the ground up. I have recommended that professional counselors be introduced in our schools, starting from the basics,” he said.
Furthermore, Dr. Amanfu called for enhanced security measures in schools, suggesting that trained security personnel, including police officers, should be stationed at educational institutions. This, he assured, would ensure better protection for students and staff, contributing to a safer learning environment. “Police officers should be assigned to schools to provide proper training and protection for both students and staff,” he stated.
He also stressed the importance of allowing the legal system to take its course in such cases to uphold justice and serve as a deterrent. “We must let the laws take their course. We are at risk of becoming a failed nation in terms of disciplining our next generation,” he lamented.
However, Dr. Amanfu expressed concern about Ghana’s ability to provide adequate counseling and psychological support for students affected by such tragedies. He urged that clinical psychologists be involved to help students recover from trauma and continue their education effectively. “We need clinical psychologists. They must address the mental anguish caused by the murder of their colleague,” he concluded.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1 MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
