Find effective ways to discipline students - Dr Akomaning tells school authorities

A former Deputy Director of Agriculture, Dr Esther Akomaning, has expressed concern over the rising disregard for authority among students in recent times and called for effective ways of disciplining students.

Her remarks came during the 60th anniversary and Speech and Prize-Giving Day of the Breman Asikuma Senior High School (BASS) held at Breman Asikuma in the Central Region at the weekend.

The occasion, on the theme: "60 Years of holistic education: Achievement, challenges and the way forward," offered an opportunity for reflecting on both the progress made and the challenges faced by the school.

Dr Akomaning, an alumna from the 1976 year group of BASS, highlighted a worrying trend in recent times where students seemed to have little or no regard for school authorities.

She pointed out that many students not only misused school property, but also sometimes engaged in destructive acts and riots, often escaping consequences. 

According to her, the situation had been worsened by the prevailing emphasis on children's rights and certain educational policies, which had made it difficult to hold students accountable for their actions.

She stated that teachers who attempted to instil discipline risked backlash from stakeholders, parents and even officials from the Ministry of Education, making it nearly impossible to maintain order.

Insufficient accommodation

On the issue of accommodation and infrastructure, Dr Akomaning indicated that the growing student population, as a result of the Free Senior High School policy, had over-stressed the limited infrastructure.

This influx of students, she explained, "had led to severely overcrowded dormitories, with many students now forced to live outside the school without supervision".

She emphasised that creating more space would not only improve supervision but also "promote discipline and academic focus, ultimately supporting the school’s mission of providing quality education in a safe and structured environment".

Advice

Speaking directly to the students, Dr Akomaning urged them to be more conscious of time, reminding them that time, once lost, could not be regained.

She advised them to adhere to school rules and regulations, avoid negative peer influences, and face their challenges with resilience. 

Dr Akomaning also appealed to teachers to cultivate an environment that allowed every child to thrive while encouraging them to strengthen their relationships with their students through open communication, trust and respect. 

Insecurity

She emphasised that understanding each student’s unique strengths and challenges would help teachers guide them more effectively, inspiring them to reach their full potential.

On the issue of security, the National President of the Breman Asikuma Senior High School Old Students Association (BASSOSA) and a member of the 1990 year group, Joseph Foster Gordon, expressed grave concern about the incomplete wall around the school’s perimeter.

The President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefuo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, congratulated the founding fathers, past and present board members, heads, teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as the students of BASS on their collective efforts. 

Appreciation

In her address, the headmistress of BASS and a member of the 1983 year group, Sarah Baah-Odoom, extended heartfelt appreciation to everyone who had supported the growth and development of the school over the years.

She particularly acknowledged the contributions of past headmasters and headmistresses, the late Nana Amoakwa Boadu VI and the Breman Traditional Council whose efforts had been instrumental in shaping the school’s journey.