Urgent Security Reforms in Ghanaian Educational Institutions to Protect Students
Security and Conflict Analyst Anthony Acquaye has raised alarms over the increasing violence in schools, stressing the urgent need for structured security policies He criticized authorities for their reliance on reactive measures rather than proactive strategies, which, he argued, fail to prevent violent incidents before they occur
“We cannot continue to rely on a handful of watchmen when school violence is becoming more complex Schools must adopt behavioral monitoring strategies and structured security policies to prevent tragedies before they happen,” Acquaye stated
His concerns come in the wake of recent violent incidents in Ghanaian schools, which have sparked national conversations on student discipline and school security
Recent events have underscored the urgent need for enhanced security in schools At Accra Academy, a student allegedly used a cutlass to punish his juniors, raising concerns about the increasing culture of violence among students. Similarly, at O’Reilly SHS, a minor dispute tragically escalated, resulting in a fatal stabbing
These incidents are part of a disturbing trend in Ghanaian schools, where disciplinary lapses, peer pressure, and unresolved conflicts often lead to violent confrontations Experts warn that without immediate intervention, such incidents may continue to rise, posing serious risks to student safety
Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service (GES) and school authorities have come under pressure to address these security concerns. Minister-designate for Education, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has also weighed in on the matter, stressing the need for urgent reforms. He emphasized that school security policies must be strengthened to prevent future tragedies
In response to the growing crisis, education stakeholders are advocating for immediate action. They have proposed several key measures to enhance security in schools, including
Reviving school cadet programs to instill discipline and security awareness among students.
Training teachers and non-teaching staff in behavioral monitoring to identify early signs of potential violence
Strengthening parental involvement in school security policies through active participation in PTA meetings
In many countries, such as the United States, secondary schools have well-documented security policy frameworks outlining clear rules and responsibilities for students, parents, and staff. These policies provide guidelines on school safety, emergency response, and disciplinary procedures
Unfortunately, many schools in Ghana lack such structured policies. Experts argue that the absence of formal security guidelines leaves schools vulnerable, making it difficult to prevent or effectively manage violent incidents.
Therefore, to curb the rising violence in schools, Ghana must urgently adopt structured security policies that go beyond merely hiring security personnel Schools, parents, and policymakers must collaborate to implement preventive measures that create a safer learning environment
As discussions on school security intensify, education authorities must ensure that policies are not just reactive but proactively designed to prevent violence before it happens The safety of students must remain a top priority, and only through comprehensive reforms can schools become secure spaces for learning and growth.
Story by: – Veronica Quarshie and Princess
