GES Dismisses Claims of “No Punishment” for Misconduct in Schools

The Ghana Education Service [GES] has rejected claims that students who misbehave in schools are no longer punished, describing the allegations as “inaccurate and misleading.”

The response follows comments by one David Boakye in a social media interview, in which he alleged that GES no longer disciplines students for misconduct and that class repetition had been abolished, leading to automatic promotion.

In a statement issued by GES Management, the Service acknowledged that indiscipline, particularly at the Senior High School level, remains a serious concern. However, it insisted that reported cases do not go unpunished.

“Reported cases of indiscipline do not go unpunished as it’s being alleged. Therefore, the claims by David Boakye are inaccurate and do not reflect the reality in our schools,” the statement said.

The GES said disciplinary measures continue to be enforced under the GES Code of Conduct, school regulations and existing policies.

Citing some cases, it said students of Accra High School who assaulted a teacher were withdrawn from the school while students from Swedru School of Business involved in an assault during an inter-school sports event were also withdrawn.

It added that WASSCE candidates from Kade SHS who assaulted a teacher over strict invigilation were reported to police, processed for court and sentenced in October 2025.

The Service added that other students have faced indefinite suspension, court fines, jail terms, or deboarding for boarding students, depending on the offence.

On the claim that repetition no longer exists, GES said the assertion is “equally misleading.” It explained that schools can request repetition where necessary.

“For example, during 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,” GES stated.

It added that Opoku Ware Senior High School has also requested approval for some students to repeat because of poor academic performance.

The GES said School Disciplinary Committees remain active and their recommendations are implemented after due process.

To further address the issue of indiscipline, the Ministry of Education will convene a national conference with Faith-Based Organisations and Civil Society Organisations to identify practical solutions.

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,” the statement added.

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