Give teachers the power to expel students for fighting - NAGRAT

The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) is calling for increased authority for teachers to expel students involved in fighting, citing the rise in unruly behavior among students as a result of restrictions on disciplinary measures.

This call comes in response to a recent tragic incident at O’Reilly Senior High School, where a student fatally stabbed a classmate during an argument on September 3.

In an interview with Citi News, NAGRAT President Angel Carbonu emphasized the importance of allowing school authorities to enforce discipline effectively to prevent such incidents. He criticized the influence of certain groups who, in their advocacy for human rights, have curtailed teachers' ability to maintain order.

"Teachers are often accused of infringing on human rights when they try to enforce rules," Mr. Carbonu remarked. He also pointed out that some financial NGOs contribute to the problem by imposing regulations that don't align with the realities of the local environment.

Mr. Carbonu argued that the current approach, which discourages strict disciplinary measures, is fostering an environment where students increasingly exhibit unruly behaviour.

He advocated for restoring the authority of teachers to enforce discipline, including the power to expel students who disrupt the learning environment. "In the past, if a student fought, they were dismissed from school, and everyone knew the rules before they enrolled," Mr. Carbonu explained. He added that dismissal did not close the door to education, as dismissed students could be readmitted to another school after signing a bond of good behavior.

Mr. Carbonu stressed the need for a system that ensures discipline, stating: "The supervisor needs to have the authority to command and to implement the supervisory role.

"The supervisors and in this case the teachers need to have the power to isolate from the generality anyone whose presence is causing discomfort for the majority. When I was in Pope John's Secondary School when you run away to town without permission, immediately you are de-boardinised. When I was in school and you fight, you will be dismissed and this one there was no Ghana Education Service and you know these rules before you enter the school and if you want to remain in that school, you don't have the choice but to conform with the rules of the school".

"...It is a system that you need to create, there are some children that without experiencing the heat of law, would never conform. They will never, never conform".