Education Ministry To Hold National Conference To Identify Causes Of Indiscipline In Schools
The Ministry of Education has announced plans to hold a national conference before the end of July 2026 to examine the rising cases of indiscipline in senior high schools and develop strategies to address the challenge.
Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Joy FM on Monday, June 22, 2026, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, said the conference would assemble major stakeholders in the education sector to deliberate on the causes of student misconduct and recommend lasting solutions.
According to the Minister, the gathering will bring together representatives from civil society organisations, religious institutions, academia, parents, and education professionals to assess the factors contributing to indiscipline in schools and propose practical interventions.
“We intend to bring together civil society, academia, the church, the Muslim community, parents and educationists to provide a roadmap for addressing the situation, identify the root causes and take decisive action,” he stated.
Mr Iddrisu explained that the conference forms part of broader efforts by the Ministry to restore discipline and strengthen character development within second-cycle institutions. He noted that while the venue has yet to be confirmed, Senchi and Kumasi are among the locations being considered.
The planned conference follows an earlier announcement by the Minister during a visit to centres writing the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), where he first disclosed plans for a stakeholder engagement on discipline-related concerns in schools.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of increasing reports of violent incidents in some senior high schools. In recent years, a number of institutions have witnessed clashes involving dangerous weapons, resulting in injuries, destruction of property and disruptions to academic activities.
The Minister also linked the issue to the recent suspension of senior high school graduation ceremonies, describing some emerging trends associated with such events as a source of concern.
He argued that the growing culture of displaying wealth during school ceremonies could send the wrong message to students and divert attention from the core values education is expected to promote.
“Schools are not only centres for academic instruction; they are institutions for nurturing discipline, responsibility and good character,” he stressed.
Mr Iddrisu further advised parents who wish to reward their children with expensive gifts to do so privately rather than on school premises.
He added that the directive suspending graduation ceremonies applies to both public and private schools, with the School Inspectorate Directorate expected to ensure strict compliance nationwide.