Chief advocates reinstatement of corporal punishment in schools

Correspondence from Ashanti Region

Nana Ogyam Karikari, the chief of Anyinamso No. 2 in the Atwima Mponnua district of the Ashanti region, has called on the government to consider the reinstatement of corporal punishment in Ghanaian schools to curb the rising wave of indiscipline among students these days.

Speaking at a ceremony organised by the 1992-year group of the Anyinamso No. 2 D/A School on January 16, 2026, the traditional leader noted that the discipline instilled in students during the 1992-year group's era and his era were the foundations for the success of many responsible leaders and professionals.

He expressed worry over the current trend of indiscipline adding that suggested that a return to traditional disciplinary measures including the corporal punishment (caning) would make students more responsible.

"It is worrying that caning has been removed from schools these days. It is time the government looks at reinstating corporal punishment. It was these measures that shaped the olden students and made them responsible citizens," he lamented.

The chief also expressed worry about the school's infrastructure adding that despite many promises from the subsequent governments, nothing good comes from the west.

He said, he and his elders have had to lead the community to start a classroom block foundation, and they need urgent support from the assembly.

The chief said all this during a gathering at the school to initiate an award scheme for excelling students in all disciplines, a fundraising to support the school's development and a special appreciation in honor of a former headmistress of the school, Madam Grace Danso, by the 1992 year batch of the school.

Meanwhile, the chief who graced the ceremony organised by the 1992 year group of Anyinamso DA school, commended them for such an excellent move they had initiated.

The Award Scheme and Sanitation Project

The 1992 year group officially launched an award scheme dubbed, 'Grace Danso Awards,' an initiative named after their former headmistress to reward academic excellence.



Speaking on behalf of the year group, the coordinator, Saeed Seidu popularly known as 'Askia' explained that the award will be an annual event designed to motivate students to take their studies serious.

"We want to encourage the students who perform better in their academic journey to excel even more. This award will be there every year to motivate them," Seidu said.

He further revealed that the group has raised funds to construct modern toilet and urinal facilities to address sanitation challenges, especially as the school prepares to become a BECE center.

He urged other old students and philanthropists to join the effort to improve the school's well-being.

He further praised the former headmistress, Madam Grace Danso (who is now old), for the excellent training she gave them during their era and the entire generation of students who were trained under her.

According to him, he will always choose the former headmistress as the best teacher in the world.

"I will always choose Madam Grace Danso as the best teacher in the world. She trained and cared for us with all the love and passion as though we were her own children. Now, we can proudly say her good training has really impacted our lives as all of us have testified here," he observed.

He, however, took the opportunity to advise the rest of the teachers to emulate Madam Grace Danso as they take the children through the academic journey adding that their deeds would surely be rewarded one day.

Current Challenges of the School

The current Headmaster, Emmanuel Sey, expressed profound gratitude to the 1992 batch, describing their gesture as one that other year groups should emulate.

He pointed out that the school is currently battling significant developmental challenges, particularly a lack of sufficient classroom blocks, which hinders effective academic work.



Madam Grace Danso's Reaction and Advice

The woman of the hour, Madam Grace Danso, who was honoured for her role as a leader and role model, shared her experiences from her tenure as headmistress.

She revealed the importance of the chief's call for discipline by reiterating and advising the current generation of teachers to be firm in their training. She said, showing care for children under you today attracts God's everlasting blessings.

"I urge both the current and the upcoming teachers to inculcate the habit of discipline in these students. That is the only way they can be prepared to face the world and succeed in the future," she advised.

The event, which brought together traditional leaders, former students and the current school administration, saw several brilliant students receiving award certificates and cash prizes to mark the official beginning of the Grace Danso Awards Scheme.