Accra: Two major teacher unions are raising red flags over what they describe as a troubling rise in student violence, following clashes in the Central Region involving students of Obrachire Senior High Technical School and Swedru School of Business in Agona Swedru. The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) are calling on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to urgently convene an emergency meeting to develop and enforce a comprehensive student code of conduct.
According to Ghana Web, the unions emphasize that while teachers operate under a clearly defined GES code of conduct, there is no equally binding framework regulating student behavior, a gap they believe is contributing to repeated cases of assaults and unrest on school campuses. Thomas Tank Musah, General Secretary of GNAT, expressed deep concern over what he sees as a growing breakdown of discipline. He noted that the existing code of conduct applies specifically to teachers, providing clear guidelines on their conduct and emphasizing the need for a similar framework for students.
Musah highlighted that, in the absence of a student code of conduct, some students have taken advantage of the situation, leading to incidents of violence against teachers. He pointed out recent occurrences, such as the violence at WASS, as examples of the ongoing issue, and urged the GES to document a sanctioned regime outlining acceptable and unacceptable student behavior.
Meanwhile, the GES has initiated investigations into the recent disturbances and indicated that sanctions will depend on the findings of their probe, along with long-term measures to prevent recurring violence. Jacob Anaba, President of NAGRAT, revealed that his association had previously written to the GES in 2025, recommending strict penalties, including dismissal, for students who engage in assaults on campus. Anaba urged the GES to consider implementing these penalties promptly.
The unions emphasize the need for swift and decisive action to restore order, protect both teachers and students, and ensure that schools remain safe spaces for learning.