NPC sounds alarm over rising violence, assaults in senior high schools

The National Peace Council (NPC) has expressed deep concern over a spate of violent incidents in some Senior High Schools (SHSs) across the country, calling for urgent action to safeguard students and staff.

In a statement, the Council highlighted that just last week, six cases of student assaults were reported. Among them, a student from Obrachire SHS in the Central Region was hospitalized after being attacked during a district athletics competition.

The NPC also condemned the alleged gang-rape of a female student at Osino Presbyterian SHS and the stabbing of a final-year student at Koforidua Senior High Technical School (SECTECH), both incidents occurring during the Supper Zonal Sports Festival in the Eastern Region.

Violence against teachers has also been reported. The Council noted that some students of Frafraha Community SHS assaulted staff at West Africa SHS in the Adentan Municipality of the Greater Accra Region. Similarly, six Aggrey Memorial SHS students allegedly attacked a final-year student of Adisadel College during the inter-colleges sports festival in Cape Coast.

While the Ghana Education Service (GES) has condemned the incidents and promised disciplinary action, the NPC called on the service to fast-track investigations. The Council also urged the Ghana Police Service to continue its efforts in apprehending perpetrators.

“Improved security in schools and at sporting events is critical, as is strengthened counselling to address the root causes of indiscipline,” the NPC stated.

The Council further appealed for active parental involvement in fostering discipline, tolerance, and respect for diversity within schools. It reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing sensitization programs promoting peace, tolerance, and non-violent ways of seeking redress, and urged the GES and other stakeholders to implement policies that ensure schools remain safe and harmonious learning environments.

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