Education

Corporal Punishment Must be Reinstated in Basic and Secondary Schools – Appianyinasehene

The Chief of Appianyinase in the Juaben Traditional Council, Nana Kwanin Kwafo II, has called for the reinstatement of corporal punishment in Ghana’s basic and secondary schools, stating that it is essential for addressing indiscipline among students.

Speaking to Opemsuo News after awarding eight outstanding Basic Education Certificate (BECE) students in the Juaben Municipality during the first Akwasidae of the year on  19th January, 2024, the chief criticised the Ghana Education Service (GES) for banning corporal punishment in 2019.

He argued that the ban has contributed to a decline in student discipline and called on the GES to revisit the policy.

The GES replaced corporal punishment with a Positive Discipline Toolkit, which offers alternative ways of managing student behaviour.

However, Nana Kwanin Kwafo II contended that the removal of corporal punishment has negatively affected the moral fabric of schools. Citing the Bible, he stated, “Do not withhold discipline from your child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.”

Reflecting on his school days, the chief recalled how strict disciplinary measures instilled responsibility and respect in students. He described the current system as “unfortunate” and urged the GES to reconsider its stance to restore discipline in schools.

Nana Kwanin Kwafo II honoured eight students for their exceptional performance in the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The awardees included Acquah Helina Asiedu (Aggregate 6), Dora Boateng (Aggregate 8), Felix Manu (Aggregate 8), Ernestina Gyebi (Aggregate 9), Victoria Agyapong (Aggregate 8), Charles Boateng (Aggregate 9), Michael Boadi Dapaah (Aggregate 9), and Gloria Ama Akakpovi (Aggregate 9).

As part of the rewards, Nana Kwanfo presented monetary incentives, books, and citations to the students to support their educational journey. Those with aggregate 9 received GHC 1,500 each, while those with aggregate 8 were given GHC 2,000 each. The top-performing student, Acquah Helina Aseiduaa Acquah, from Atia M/A JHS who achieved an aggregate of 6, received GHC 3,000.

He emphasized his passion for education, describing it as a priority for the development of Juaben and the country at large.

The Appianyinasehene said the initiative was birthed on the premise of the Otumfuo’s Educational Fund.

“The Appianyinase foundation was inspired by the Otumfuo Education Fund, we are doing this to compliment the efforts of the brilliance of the Asantehene’s laudable initiative,” said the Appianyinasehene.

He pledged to continue recognising and rewarding academic excellence to inspire more students in the municipality.

The chief expressed his disappointment that none of the awardees were from his jurisdiction.

However, he assured that the foundation remains committed to supporting brilliant students in pursuing quality education, emphasising that education is the foundation for the development of every nation.

Acquah Helina Asiedu, the overall best student, and Dora Owusua Boateng expressed their gratitude to Nana Kwanin Kwafo II for the recognition and generous rewards.

Mr John Mpoposuo, the School Improvement Support Officer (SISO) for the Kubease Circuit, representing the Juaben Municipal Education Director, thanked the Appianyinasehene for the impactful initiative introduced by the Appianyinase Foundation.

Story by Barbara M.A Amoah

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