The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to restoring discipline and order in Ghana’s second-cycle institutions following the recent surge in violent incidents across the country.
Speaking through his aide, Sampson Samari, at the 4th Upper East Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards in Bolgatanga, Dr. Apaak described the growing trend of student riots and vandalism as “deeply worrying” and “a threat to the very future of our young people.”
He disclosed that at least five senior high schools in the Upper East Region, Bolgatanga Technical Institute (BOTECH), Bawku Senior High School, Sirigu Integrated Senior High School, Zuarungu Senior High School, and Gowrie Senior High Technical School, have recorded violent disturbances this year alone.
“These clashes have led to the destruction of property, injuries, and, in some cases, the temporary closure of schools,” Dr. Apaak lamented. “Such incidents undermine academic progress and waste the limited resources that government and parents invest in education.”
He warned that unchecked indiscipline could erode the culture of respect and responsibility essential to effective learning.
“Violence in schools destroys the environment of discipline and respect that education requires,” he stated. “If left unaddressed, it will damage the image of our region and rob our youth of the skills they need for the future.”
Dr. Apaak called for a collective approach to tackling the issue, urging school authorities to enforce discipline firmly but fairly. He emphasized that parents, teachers, and students must all play active roles in promoting moral values, respect, and self-control.
He further assured that government remains committed to supporting measures that make school sanctions both corrective and deterrent.
“Our schools must be places of discipline, learning, and hope — not grounds for violence and destruction,” he said.
Dr. Apaak also appealed to community leaders and the media to use their influence to promote peace, tolerance, and respect among students, reaffirming government’s commitment to ensuring safe and disciplined learning environments nationwide.
This year’s awards was on the theme: “Upholding Public Trust: The Role of the Media in Promoting Accountable Governance in the Upper East Region.”
The event had support from WaterAid Ghana under the Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) project, Paga Youth Movement, Cardinal Namdini Mining Company Ltd, Kacstone Records, Ghana Shippers’ Authority, and Rural Initiatives for Self-Empowerment (RISE) Ghana.
The others were MTN Ghana, Endswell Pharmacy, Development Research and Advocacy Center (DRAC), Earl International Group Gold Ghana Ltd, Physioshop Production Center (PPC) Paga, Widows and Orphans Movement (WOM), and Ghana Hotels Association – Upper East Region Branch.
The rest were Adonai Sports Management, UK, Ghana Tourism Authority, Atiamah Catering Services; Blue Sky Hotel; Bolga Technical University; ICOUR, and Mozak Multimedia Services
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
