The Ghana Education Service (GES) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Master Edward Sackey, a final-year student at O’Reilly Senior High School.

In an official statement released by Cassandra Twum Ampofo Head of Public Relations Unit, the Ghana Education Service extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, as well as to his friends and the entire O’Reilly SHS community.

She indicated that the Director-General of the GES, accompanied by a team of senior officials, visited both the school and the family of Master Sackey to offer their sympathies and support during this difficult time.

“The GES is deeply saddened by this tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family. We are committed to providing all the necessary support to the school and the family as we navigate this painful period.”
Cassandra Twum Ampofo Head, Public Relations Unit, Ghana Education Service

The Ghana Education Service also assured the public that it is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

According to the statement, the Ghana Education Service hopes to conclude its administrative investigations within two weeks, while the Ghana Police Service continues to handle the criminal investigation aspect of the case.

The statement continued, emphasizing that the well-being and safety of students and staff remain the top priority for the Ghana Education Service.

“We are pleased to report that calm has been restored on the O’Reilly SHS campus. We are working diligently to ensure that all our schools remain secure and conducive environments for learning.”
Cassandra Twum Ampofo Head, Public Relations Unit, Ghana Education Service

Response to Public Concerns

In response to public concerns and potential misinformation, the GES urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow the investigative processes to take their course.

Cassandra Twum Ampofo Head, Public Relations Unit, underscored the Ghana Education Service’s commitment to providing timely updates as the investigations progress.

The GES, while reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of students, acknowledged the need for ongoing vigilance and preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.

“We remain committed to ensuring that our schools are safe havens for academic excellence, where students can learn and grow in a secure environment. Our thoughts remain with the family and the entire O’Reilly SHS community as we mourn this devastating loss”.
Cassandra Twum Ampofo Head, Public Relations Unit, Ghana Education Service

The incident, which has shocked the school community and the nation, occurred earlier this week, resulting in the untimely demise of the promising young student.

Growing Indiscipline Among Students in Public Schools

The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), in an another statement, attributed the unfortunate incident to the apparent and increasing unruly behaviour in schools , decrying the restrictions imposed on teachers regarding student discipline.

NAGRAT’s President, Eric Angel Carbonu, lamented the erosion of teacher authority in schools, warning that this trend could lead to more tragic incidents if not addressed.

He emphasized the critical role of discipline in maintaining order and safety within educational institutions.

Mr Carbonu argued that school authorities should have the autonomy to enforce discipline without interference from external parties, particularly those advocating for human rights in a manner that undermines the authority of teachers.

According to him, the well-being and proper development of students depend on the enforcement of rules and regulations that reflect the realities of the school environment.

“Unfortunately, whenever teachers want to exact conformity to rules, a certain group of people who talk about human rights assume the teacher does not know what human rights are,” Carbonu stated, expressing frustration with what he perceives as misguided interference.

He highlighted the negative impact of external pressure on the ability of teachers to maintain discipline, suggesting that the current situation is partly due to the influence of financial NGOs that prioritize human rights over the practical needs of the educational environment.

He further criticized the prevailing mindset that discourages teachers from taking firm disciplinary action, noting that the constant warnings against any form of stern discipline have left teachers with limited options for maintaining order.

“Don’t do this. Don’t do that. When you talk to the student like that, you are creating psychological injury to the student. It’s as if to create the impression that whenever the student goes wrong, we should kiss them, pat them on the back, and tell them that they can continue.”
Eric Angel Carbonu, NAGRAT’s President

The NAGRAT President warned that the current leniency in addressing student misconduct is contributing to a decline in respect for authority among students, thereby transforming the school environment into one where unruliness is increasingly becoming the norm.

He called for a reevaluation of the policies and attitudes that have led to this situation, urging stakeholders to recognize the importance of discipline in shaping responsible and well-behaved individuals.