The Ghana Education Service (GES) has dismissed claims that students are no longer punished for misconduct and that automatic promotion has replaced repetition in schools.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 29, 2026, GES said it had taken note of comments by one David Boakye in a social media interview alleging that indiscipline goes unpunished and that class repetition had been abolished.
“While Management acknowledges that indiscipline in schools, especially at the SHS level, is a serious menace and more stringent measures need to be put in place to curb it, we wish to state that reported cases of indiscipline do not go unpunished as it’s being alleged,” the Service said.
GES said disciplinary measures continue to be applied under the GES Code of Conduct, school regulations, and existing policies.
It cited several 2025 cases to support its position. At Accra High School, students who assaulted a teacher were withdrawn. At Swedru School of Business, students who assaulted one another during an inter-school sports competition were also withdrawn. In October 2025, WASSCE candidates of Kade SHS who assaulted a teacher over strict invigilation were reported to police, processed for court, and sentenced.
The Service added that in other incidents, students faced indefinite suspension, court fines, jail terms, or were deboardinised.
On repetition, GES described claims that it no longer exists as “misleading.” It said repetitions are done upon request by schools. For the 2025/2026 academic year, five final-year students of Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary repeated Form Three due to low academic performance. Opoku Ware Senior High School has also requested approval for some students to repeat.
GES said school disciplinary committees remain active, and their recommendations are implemented in line with regulations.
To address rising indiscipline, the Ministry of Education will hold a national conference with stakeholders, including Faith Based Organisations and Civil Society Organisations. GES has also set up a committee to review the current Code of Conduct.
“Management assures parents, guardians, and the general public that the Ghana Education Service remains committed to producing quality graduates who are not only academically competent but also possess good character and strong values. Disciplinary standards are, therefore, not compromised,” it stated.
