GES cautions teachers against painful forms of punishment in schools

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has cautioned teachers against subjecting students to painful forms of punishment, including frog jumping, prolonged standing in the sun and carrying heavy loads with outstretched hands. The Deputy Director-General of Quality and Access at the GES, Dr Ishak Munawaru, said such practices were inconsistent with the professional standards expected of teachers and the Service’s Code of Conduct.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, he stressed that teachers were not permitted to use physical force against pupils or students or subject them to treatment that amounted to torture. Dr Munawaru said the GES, in collaboration with its unions, provides the Code of Conduct to guide teachers and other staff on their professional responsibilities and rights.

He explained that the document also formed part of the materials used in promotion interviews and examinations for officers seeking higher positions within the Service. His comments come amid renewed concerns about physical punishment in schools, following disciplinary action against teachers involved in a recent assault on students at Techiman Senior High School.

Explaining the disciplinary approach, Dr Munawaru said sanctions were intended not only to punish wrongdoing but also to reform those involved. “Every penal system is graduated and is also intended to be reformative,” he said. He warned that any further misconduct of a similar nature by the teachers would attract more severe sanctions. According to him, the investigation into the incident did not establish any previous misconduct by the teachers, suggesting it was their first recorded offence.

He also said reports available to the GES indicated that the affected students were doing well. GES awaits findings into alleged sexual misconduct at Obuasi SHST Meanwhile, Dr Munawaru said the GES was awaiting the outcome of investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct at Obuasi Senior High Technical School. He disclosed that the committee established to investigate the allegations had visited the school and was engaging relevant individuals.

He said the committee was required to give all parties a fair hearing before reaching its conclusions. Dr Munawaru explained that disciplinary decisions taken at various levels of the GES could be reviewed by the next higher authority. He stressed that a substantiated allegation of sexual harassment could attract dismissal. “A yes on sexual harassment is equal to dismissal,” he stated.

He added that the GES headquarters was treating the matter seriously and would review the committee’s recommendations before deciding on further action. The Deputy Director-General also indicated that the Service could review the position of the school-level committee if necessary. Asked whether the committee had requested an extension to complete its work, Dr Munawaru said he would first establish the situation before providing an update.