University don worry about indiscipline in schools

Akosombo, July 4, GNA - Professor Seth K. A. Danso of the University of Ghana has expressed worry about the high rate of indiscipline and acts of lawlessness in educational institutions. "The situation is alarming and only a stranger to this country may be excused for being ignorant of the disturbing indiscipline that has become a common feature in our schools," he maintained.

Prof. Danso expressed the concern when he addressed the 40th Anniversary, Speech and Prize Giving Day of the Akwamuman Senior High school (SHS), at Akosombo.

Prof. Danso observed that not a single day passed without a report on an act of indiscipline that perpetrated by some teenager in a first or second cycle institution.

These include drug abuse, rape, armed robbery, abortion and even murder, he said.

The university lecturer has, therefore, called for concerted efforts from stakeholders such as parents, teachers, educational authorities and non- governmental organizations, to find a lasting solution to what he described as "social canker" before it gets out of hands. He indicated that the high rate of indiscipline in educational institutions had compelled many citizens to question the kind of future leaders the institutions were producing.

Prof. Danso was of the view that the recent phenomenon of examination malpractices, which had engulfed almost all educational institutions in the country, was not only disturbing but would also bring the academic achievements of people into disrepute. He said that situation had affected academic excellence in schools to the extent that people were now questioning the authenticity of certificates issued by educational authorities.

Prof. Danso blamed the media for contributing to that unfortunate situation in the Ghanaian society citing some programmes on television, which promote violence and pornography.

He cautioned parents to be vigilant and scrutinize the types of movies their children watched and how much time they spent on their books and in completing their assignments.

The headmaster of the school, Mr K. Akyampon-Sakyi, said the school was established as a private institution in 1969 by the late Odeneho Kwafo Akoto, II, an Omanhene of Akwamu Traditional Area, with the help of other traditional leaders.

He said the school was started with only 27 boys and four girls under the name Akwamuman Secondary Technical Commercial School. But in 1972, it was absorbed into the public educational system as Akwamuman Secondary School. The headmaster said the school, which started with only 31 students now had a population of 1,330 and expected to increase further by the next academic year.

He said that situation would require expanded infrastructure in the areas of classrooms, library, dormitories, Science laboratories and teachers accommodation for effective supervision of students. He appealed to all stakeholders, particularly past students, philanthropists, corporate bodies, NGOs and the government to go to their aid as a matter of urgency. 04 July 10