GNACOPS Urges Schools in Ghana to Replace Canning with Positive Discipline Strategies for a Safer Learning Environment

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  November 02| GNACOPS Urges Schools in Ghana to Replace Canning with Positive Discipline Strategies for a Safer Learning Environment

 
“Following reports of severe caning in Ghanaian schools, GNACOPS Director Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah advocates for alternative disciplinary methods, urging schools to adopt positive reinforcement, counseling, and restorative justice to promote a safe learning environment.”

Recent reports of a severe caning incident involving a child in a private school in Ghana have sparked nationwide concerns over the continued use of caning as a disciplinary measure. Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, the National Executive Director of the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS), has publicly advised educators and school authorities to exercise restraint in disciplinary practices, emphasizing the need for alternative approaches that foster a safe and positive learning environment.

Impact of Caning on Students

Studies have shown that physical punishment, such as caning, can have lasting physical and emotional effects on students, including emotional trauma, lowered self-esteem, and a sense of fear or anxiety within the school environment. These impacts can disrupt learning and hinder students’ overall development, sparking further discussion on the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive atmosphere for Ghanaian students.

Gyetuah noted that while discipline is essential in schools, caning can create a toxic environment, which deters students from active engagement in their studies and hinders their growth. He added, “The approach to discipline should not instill fear but rather build confidence, respect, and accountability among students.”

Alternative Disciplinary Measures for Ghanaian Schools

GNACOPS has put forward several alternative disciplinary methods that prioritize the well-being of students and aim to build a respectful learning environment. These methods include:

1. Positive Reinforcement: Recognizing and rewarding good behavior to encourage more positive actions and attitudes among students.
2. Counseling and Support: Providing guidance and support for students who struggle with behavior issues, helping them address underlying problems in a constructive manner.
3. Restorative Justice: Implementing practices that emphasize accountability, responsibility, and making amends, allowing students to learn from their mistakes while preserving their dignity.

The shift toward these alternative approaches is part of GNACOPS’ broader advocacy for educational reform that prioritizes students’ physical and emotional safety.

GNACOPS’ Vision for Safe Learning Environments

GNACOPS has consistently emphasized that a conducive learning environment is one where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow academically and personally. “Our schools must adopt disciplinary measures that help students feel respected and valued,” stated Gyetuah. He believes that fostering respect within the classroom through positive disciplinary approaches will benefit students’ overall learning outcomes and emotional health.

Moving Forward

As calls grow for the abolition of caning in Ghanaian schools, stakeholders in education are encouraged to collaborate and explore policies that foster a safe, respectful, and supportive educational environment. By prioritizing alternative methods that support both discipline and student well-being, Ghana can work toward a more positive educational experience for all students.