The National Peace Council (NPC) has raised alarm over escalating violence in Ghana’s Senior High Schools (SHSs), citing multiple assaults that threaten student and teacher safety across the country.
In a statement released from Accra, the Council highlighted six recent incidents, including a student from Obrachire SHS who required hospitalisation following an attack at a district athletics meet, and the stabbing of a final-year student at Koforidua Senior High Technical School (SECTECH) during the Super Zonal Sports Festival in the Eastern Region.
The NPC also condemned the reported gang rape of a female student at Osino Presbyterian SHS, the assault of teachers at West Africa SHS by students of Frafraha Community SHS in Adentan, and the attack on a final-year Adisadel College student by six Aggrey Memorial School students during an inter-colleges sports festival in Cape Coast.
While the Ghana Education Service (GES) has promised disciplinary action, the NPC urged the Ministry of Education to expedite investigations and ensure accountability. The Council further called for enhanced school security, especially at sporting events, and stressed the need for strengthened counselling and guidance programs to address student indiscipline, aggression, and intolerance.
Parents and guardians were also reminded of their responsibility in promoting discipline, respect, and tolerance among students, reinforcing moral education alongside academic learning.
The NPC reaffirmed its commitment to peace education and non-violent conflict resolution initiatives, urging schools, the GES, and stakeholders to implement robust policies to safeguard learning environments and preserve the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.
