Accra: Volunteer leaders of the National Cadet Corps have called for more urgent and robust interventions to address the growing concerns of violence and lawlessness in schools. They have, therefore, pledged their commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at promoting discipline, peaceful coexistence, and responsible citizenship among students.
According to Ghana News Agency, the pledge followed a strategic brainstorming meeting organized by MISORNU Safety Center and the Foundation for Security Development in Africa (FOSDA) with the leadership of the National Cadet Corps. The aim was to strengthen collaboration and promote safe school environments across educational institutions in Ghana. The meeting, held at the National Cadet Headquarters in Accra, focused on empowering Cadet Corps units in various educational institutions to help curb indiscipline, violence, bullying, substance abuse, and other unlawful behavior in schools through positive behavioral change among the youth.
A release copied to the Ghana News Agency highlighted that the meeting was part of a follow-up engagement after a virtual training program jointly organized by MISORNU Safety Center and FOSDA for over 200 volunteer cadet leaders at Adanwomase in the Ashanti Region on May 5, 2026. The training focused on youth leadership, school safety, responsible behavior, and violence prevention among students.
Participants at the meeting observed that many students, particularly at the Junior and Senior High School levels, often lacked safe and structured opportunities to express their concerns, feel heard, and have their grievances addressed. The participants noted that unresolved frustrations sometimes pushed young people into unacceptable conduct, exposing them to security and safety vulnerabilities.
Mr. Nicholas Armatefio, National Coordinator of the National Cadet Corps, expressed concern over incidents involving violent attacks, drug abuse, and other acts of lawlessness in some schools. He noted that the Cadet Corps, through its structures at the national, zonal, regional, and school levels, provided a strategic platform for addressing youth indiscipline and promoting responsible behavior among students. "The National Cadet Corps is one of the biggest youth organizations where the spirit of volunteerism and responsible behavior remains its core philosophy," he stated.
Mr. Armatefio mentioned that acts of violence, substance abuse, and indiscipline in schools could be reduced when comprehensive school safety and security systems were established in collaboration with educational authorities and the Cadet Corps.
Mrs. Theodora Anti, Executive Director of FOSDA, and DCOP (Rtd.) David Eklu, Executive Director of MISORNU Safety Center, commended the Cadet Corps for its spirit of volunteerism, patriotism, and nation-building. They described the National Cadet Corps as a highly strategic platform for youth development and empowerment through structured leadership development, discipline, mentorship, and capacity-building programs.
The two civil society organizations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safer learning environments and positive youth engagement. They indicated that the Cadet Corps would play an important role in future programs and interventions aimed at improving safety and security awareness in schools and communities.