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