The Ghana Education Service (GES) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that students who engage in misconduct are no longer punished and that academic repetition has been abolished in schools, describing the assertions as inaccurate and inconsistent with existing educational policies and disciplinary practices.
In a statement issued by Management on 29th June 2026, the Service reaffirmed that disciplinary measures continue to be enforced in accordance with the Ghana Education Service Code of Conduct, school regulations and established educational policies, stressing that students found guilty of misconduct continue to face appropriate sanctions through due process.
The clarification follows comments made by David Boakye during a social media interview, in which he alleged that GES no longer punishes students for indiscipline and that learners are automatically promoted because repetition has 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.”
Managment of Ghana Education
Responding to the claims, the Service stated that although indiscipline, particularly at the Senior High School level, remains a growing concern requiring stronger interventions, it was misleading to suggest that acts of misconduct go unpunished. disciplinary standards remain an integral part of school administration across the country, with school authorities empowered to investigate misconduct and implement sanctions through established disciplinary structures.
Existing Sanctions Remain in Force
The Service explained that schools continue to enforce discipline through active disciplinary committees whose recommendations are implemented in accordance with existing regulations and due process.
“Across the country, disciplinary measures continue to be applied in accordance with the Ghana Education Service Code of Conduct, school regulations, and existing educational policies to ensure that discipline is maintained in schools.”
Ghana Education Service
Management emphasized that disciplinary procedures are neither arbitrary nor abandoned, noting that sanctions are determined based on the nature and severity of each offence.
To support its position, GES cited several high-profile disciplinary cases handled over the past year.
The Service recalled that in 2025, students involved in the assault of a teacher at Accra High School were withdrawn from the school after investigations confirmed their involvement.
Similarly, students of Swedru School of Business who assaulted one another during an inter-school sports competition were withdrawn from the institution as part of disciplinary measures.
GES also referenced the widely reported incident at Kade Senior High School in October 2025, where some candidates sitting the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) assaulted a teacher over strict examination invigilation.
According to Management, the students were reported to the Police, processed before the courts and subsequently sentenced.
Beyond these incidents, the Service disclosed that many other reported cases of student misconduct have attracted sanctions, including indefinite suspension, court-imposed fines, custodial sentences and the withdrawal of boarding privileges for affected students.
Management said these examples clearly demonstrate that student misconduct continues to attract appropriate disciplinary action under existing regulations.
GES Rejects Claims That Academic Repetition Has Been Abolished
The Ghana Education Service also refuted assertions that students are automatically promoted because repetition no longer exists within the education system.
Management described the claim as misleading, explaining that schools retain the authority to recommend repetition for students whose academic performance falls below the required standard.
“The claim that repetition no longer exists in schools at all is equally misleading. Repetitions are done upon request by the schools.”
Ghana Education Service
As evidence, GES disclosed that during the 2025/2026 academic year, five final-year students of Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary repeated Form Three due to poor academic performance.
The Service further revealed that Opoku Ware Senior High School has also submitted requests seeking approval for some students to repeat because of unsatisfactory academic performance.
Management noted that these examples demonstrate that repetition remains available as an academic intervention where schools consider it necessary.
National Conference to Address Rising Indiscipline
While defending existing disciplinary measures, the Service acknowledged growing public concern over indiscipline among learners and announced additional interventions aimed at strengthening discipline across Ghanaian schools.
GES disclosed that the Ministry of Education will organise a national conference to engage key stakeholders in identifying practical and sustainable solutions to behavioural challenges within schools.
The conference will bring together representatives of Faith-Based Organisations, Civil Society Organisations and other education stakeholders to deliberate on strategies capable of promoting discipline while safeguarding students’ welfare.
In addition, Management announced that GES has constituted a committee to review the existing Code of Conduct.
The review is intended to ensure that current disciplinary regulations remain responsive to emerging challenges within Ghana’s education system while promoting responsible conduct among learners.
The proposed review comes amid increasing national discussions on school discipline following recent reports of bullying, violent confrontations, examination malpractice and assaults involving students in some second-cycle institutions.
Education stakeholders have consistently called for stronger behavioural interventions that combine discipline with counselling, parental involvement and values-based education.
Commitment to Character Development
The Service reiterated that its mandate extends beyond academic instruction to include the development of responsible, disciplined and morally upright citizens.
Management assured parents, guardians and the wider public that disciplinary standards would not be compromised under any circumstances.
“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.”
Managment of Ghana Education Service
GES further appealed for sustained cooperation from parents, teachers, school administrators, religious bodies, civil society organisations and all education stakeholders in addressing disciplinary challenges confronting schools.
According to the Service, strengthening discipline requires collective responsibility and sustained collaboration among families, communities and educational institutions.
Stakeholders Urged to Support Ongoing Reforms
Management concluded by reaffirming its commitment to maintaining discipline while ensuring that all disciplinary procedures are implemented fairly, consistently and in accordance with established regulations.
The Service expressed confidence that the planned national conference, the ongoing review of the Code of Conduct and continued stakeholder engagement will strengthen behavioural standards and contribute to creating safer, more disciplined learning environments across the country.
As public debate on student discipline continues, GES maintains that existing disciplinary structures remain functional and effective, while ongoing reforms are expected to reinforce accountability and uphold the values necessary for quality education and national development.
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