GES Considers Criminal Prosecution for SHS Students Involved in Serious Misconduct and School Vandalism
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that it is considering tougher disciplinary measures, including possible criminal prosecution, for Senior High School (SHS) students who engage in serious acts of misconduct.
According to the Service, while parents may be held accountable in certain circumstances, students whose actions involve significant destruction of school property or other serious offences could be referred to the country’s criminal justice system.
The move comes amid growing concerns over rising cases of indiscipline in second-cycle institutions across Ghana.
Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Professor Smile Dzisi, said the increasing incidents of student misconduct have become a major concern and require urgent intervention.
Speaking to Citi News on the sidelines of the 86th anniversary celebration of Odorgonno Senior High School, Prof. Dzisi disclosed that GES will convene a national stakeholder engagement in Sunyani, the Bono Regional capital, next week.
The meeting will bring together key stakeholders to examine the root causes of indiscipline among students and develop practical strategies to curb the growing trend.
Prof. Dzisi explained that the stakeholder engagement would also consider stronger accountability measures for students who engage in serious misconduct.
She noted that while parents could be held responsible in some situations, cases involving extensive destruction of school property or other grave offences may require students to face the appropriate legal processes.
“Any student that will be caught will be severely punished. Or any staff that will be caught condoning such actions will be severely punished. It’s important to agree on the way forward,” she said.
The GES says it is committed to promoting discipline in schools while ensuring that all individuals who contribute to acts of indiscipline are held accountable.
Meanwhile, authorities at Odorgonno Senior High School have appealed to government, corporate organisations, alumni and other stakeholders to support the construction of a modern science laboratory for the school.
According to school authorities, the absence of a dedicated laboratory has forced students and teachers to use the school’s dining hall for science practical lessons.
The arrangement has resulted in frequent damage to laboratory equipment and has negatively affected the quality of practical science instruction.
In addition to the laboratory challenge, the school is also struggling with the absence of a practical centre for Visual Arts students.
The Headmaster of Odorgonno Senior High School, Patrick Mensah, appealed to individuals, organisations and development partners to assist the school in addressing its infrastructure challenges to improve teaching and learning.
The appeal was made during activities marking the school’s 86th anniversary celebration, where stakeholders reflected on the institution’s achievements while highlighting the need for improved educational facilities.
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