Over the years, indiscipline in schools, from primary education to senior high schools and even among university students—has escalated significantly. This growing problem is not only negatively affecting students’ academic performance but is also hindering the country’s growth and development.
A primary cause of this issue has been identified as the lack of effective supervision by teachers and heads of education institutions. However, per my own comparison of schools under the jurisdiction and command of the Ghana Armed Forces reveals a noticeable difference: students in military-run schools display higher levels of discipline across all areas. This suggests that the military’s structured environment and strict supervision may offer valuable solutions to the widespread indiscipline in Ghanaian schools.
To address this crisis, I propose that all school heads undergo military training to equip them with the necessary skills to enforce discipline. Where constitutional provisions allow, officers could be appointed to oversee schools across the country to instil a sense of discipline in students.
The role of the military, as outlined in the Constitution, is to protect and safeguard the territorial integrity of the country, defending against any external security threats. However, it is evident that the level of indiscipline in our educational system today poses a far greater threat to the country’s future than many external dangers. If left unchecked, this could result in long-term damage to the nation’s progress. Thus, it is crucial that we address this issue with the same urgency as we would any national security concern.
The writer, Joseph Armstrong Gold-Alorgbey, is the President of the Defence Press Corps
