After carefully reviewing the recent news reports and the summary released by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), it has become clear that we must take a broader, nationalistic and generational look at our educational and examination systems.
But no matter how many reforms we introduce, very little will change unless we confront an issue we have ignored for far too long: discipline, attitude, and mindset.
In recent years, whenever WAEC releases results, the national conversation tends to circle around the same factors—government responsibility, infrastructure, policy implementation, teaching and learning materials, etc.
Yet these factors have existed for decades, even during the periods in the 90s and early 2000s when our performance was far stronger, until the “human rights and child rights activists” started talking and pushing for the removal and abolishment of corporal punishment from our educational institutions.
What changed?
While I may not be quoting scientific research, the impact of indiscipline, poor attitude, and the growing challenge of poor parental control is evident across our schools and communities.
I strongly advocate that it is time for a national conversation on restoring discipline in our schools—firmly, fairly, and within clearly defined guidelines.
Whatever approach we choose must avoid excesses while reinforcing responsibility, respect, and self-control among our young people.
As a Christian, allow me to share two scriptural reminders:
Proverbs 13:24
“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
It is widely noted that Samuel Butler’s poem Hudibras popularized the phrase “Spare the rod and spoil the child.”
Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
In conclusion, let me state that no one can talk about success without discipline, attitude, focus, control, and mindset.
Let’s work together to create a culture and generation of excellence in our schools
#GhanaEducation #Parliament of Ghana #ministryofeducation #GhanaFirst #focus
