Rioting & Wanton Destruction of Property by Students, Ghana Must Act


It is very evident that Ghana as a country is going through myriads of troubles, economically and socially and it is finding it extremely difficult to pay wages, construct roads, build schools, provide potable water to communities, expand existing facilities to accommodate more students to make life more meaningful. 

It is therefore heartbreaking to see the few structures and resources we have which serve thousands of others destroyed within the twinkle of an eye, because of certain actions or inactions of a few miscreants.

The St. John’s Vocational Technical High Institute, Nandom, founded in 1974 which has produced many prominent people including contractors, teachers, Parliamentarians and many more, was burnt down to ashes by aggrieved students’ last week claiming their school’s management “forced them to write what they term, "justification exam”. 

Considering that there are many channels for addressing issues, one wonders why such a destructive means was applied. 

Destroying school property has taken a tall effect on the developmental process of the nation. 

According to some, Nandom has been hitherto peaceful until the computerised school selection and placement system was rolled out. Prior to that, the school authority had the prerogative of conducting their internal exams and interviews to select those who
qualified, but now it is no longer like that.
 
There was a demonstration recently against the out-gone principal of the school, and some students were picked up by the police. He was replaced by the current principal, who also had a tough time with the students and some staff members. 

It is therefore evident from the foregoing that discipline has broken down and lawlessness has generally taken over. Just recently, the BIGBOSS in Bolgatanga was shut down due to the same reasons. 

Obrakyere and Walewale schools were also closed down. It looks like as a people, we are not availing ourselves to peaceful conflict management and resolution. 

One is tempted to think that maybe, the authorities are ‘authoritarian’ instead of operating a democratic system, or they fail to listen to the plight of the students who may have genuine concerns. 

It is therefore of paramount importance that managers of schools be taught conflict management and resolution and how to prevent such incidents from happening. 

Managers must also endeavour to learn from past events or the mistakes of others. Equally blamable is government bodies and agencies which set up committees to probe these happenings. 

They have also failed in their duties because after they complete their committee findings and present their reports, these reports are not made public for others to see and learn from them. Parents must also instill discipline in their wards and children. In time past teachers were respected but now it is not the case. 

It is suggested that our educational system must be revised and those portions which do not allow students to be corporally punished, be removed. 

Some parents were known as disciplinarians because of their use of the cane. Students learned because they knew that there was a cane waiting for them if they failed their exams or to do certain things, but now who cares about what happens? 

In Proverbs 13:24 it says: “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die”.

Ghana must wake up!

By:  Beyuo John Paul, Health Records Manager St. Theresa’s Hospital