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| (Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, VC of Sunyani Technical University) |
The Vice-Chancellor of Sunyani Technical University, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, has recently joined the debate surrounding the ban on corporal punishment in Ghanaian schools. At the 63rd Speech and Prize-Giving Day of Sunyani Senior High School, Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah expressed his concerns regarding the increasing deterioration of discipline in schools nationwide.
He attributed this trend to the Ghana Education Service's 2017 ban on all forms of corporal punishment in educational institutions. According to Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah, the absence of corporal punishment in schools has resulted in a perceived laxity, where students are engaging in various deviant behaviors such as smoking, alcoholism, armed robbery, and hooliganism without facing appropriate consequences.
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In his address, Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah highlighted the influence of peer pressure on students' behavior and raised questions about effective monitoring and guidance within schools. He urged for a comprehensive approach to student discipline, considering the vital role of educators and administrators in shaping the behavior and development of students before they complete their education.
It is important to note that in 2019, the Ghana Education Service (GES) issued a directive prohibiting the use of corporal punishment by teachers and school authorities. The GES emphasized the need for alternative disciplinary measures and sanctions to correct student behavior, citing the potential physical and emotional harm caused by corporal punishment.
The issue of corporal punishment in schools has provoked mixed reactions among the Ghanaian public, particularly education stakeholders. The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has advised its members to comply with the GES directive, respecting the ban on corporal punishment. On the other hand, the Methodist Bishop of Accra has cautioned against a complete ban on caning, expressing concerns that it might lead to a breakdown of discipline in schools and society as a whole.
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The debate surrounding the use of corporal punishment in schools is a complex and contentious topic across many countries. It raises questions about the balance between discipline and the potential harm caused by physical punishment. While some argue for the reinstatement of corporal punishment as an effective deterrent, others stress the need for more progressive disciplinary approaches that promote positive behavior and emotional well-being.
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