Minister Backs NAGRAT: Government Approves Tougher Discipline Rules for SHS Students

Deputy Education Minister Endorses NAGRAT’s Call for Stronger Discipline in SHSs Amid Rising Indiscipline.

Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has thrown his full support behind the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) in its renewed push for firm discipline across Ghana’s second-cycle institutions.

Speaking at the 14th NAGRAT Delegates Conference in Sunyani, Dr. Apaak commended the association for 25 years of unwavering commitment to teacher welfare. He noted that the growing trend of student indiscipline, verbal abuse, threats, and violent conduct poses a serious national challenge that must be urgently confronted.

The Builsa South MP warned that “no education system can thrive when teachers feel unsafe in their classrooms.”

Government Introduces Stronger Disciplinary Structures

Dr. Apaak revealed that the Ministry of Education is:

• Strengthening disciplinary frameworks in SHSs

• Enhancing legal and psychological support systems for teachers

• Empowering PTAs with new guidelines to help handle behavioural issues

• Reintroducing routine checks of student belongings to curb possession of prohibited items

He emphasized that headteachers now have the full backing of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu to enforce discipline without fear or favoritism.

“Heads of second-cycle institutions must assert full control over student conduct. The Ministry will not tolerate acts of indiscipline,” Dr. Apaak stated.

Dr. Apaak stressed that discipline begins at home. He urged parents and community leaders to collaborate with schools, not confront them, when disciplinary issues arise.

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He praised NAGRAT for championing professionalism, student support systems, and restorative disciplinary practices that promote accountability while preserving student dignity.

According to him, “discipline is self-respect in action,” and strengthening it across schools will create safer, more productive learning environments.