Ghana Education Service Reviews Code of Conduct Following Rising SHS Indiscipline and Misinformation Claims

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially constituted a committee to review the national Code of Conduct for students in response to a surge in violent incidents within Senior High Schools (SHS). The move comes as the service seeks to strengthen disciplinary frameworks while debunking widespread rumors that student punishments and class repetition have been abolished. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has characterized the recent wave of misconduct as a direct threat to the integrity of Ghana's educational system, reaffirming the government's commitment to producing disciplined and well-rounded graduates. The review follows several high-profile disturbances, most notably a violent riot at Bawku Senior High School during the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). These incidents have sparked a national conversation about the effectiveness of current disciplinary measures. In response to public concern and statements by political figures, including NPP Bono East Regional Secretary David Boakye, the GES issued a press statement on June 29, 2026, clarifying that disciplinary protocols remain fully operational. The Service highlighted that numerous sanctions have been applied recently to address various forms of student misconduct, contradicting claims of a no-discipline policy. Beyond behavioral issues, the GES addressed misconceptions regarding academic progression. Contrary to allegations of automatic promotion, the Service clarified that class repetition is still an available option for underperforming students, provided it is requested through the appropriate channels. The GES emphasized that maintaining high academic and behavioral standards is non-negotiable. By addressing these misinformation campaigns, the Service aims to restore public confidence in the management of pre-tertiary institutions and ensure that both teachers and administrators feel empowered to enforce school rules. Looking ahead, the GES is set to host a major stakeholder conference in July 2026 to discuss comprehensive solutions to student misbehavior. This forum will bring together educators, parents, and policy experts to finalize the revisions to the Code of Conduct. By engaging a broad spectrum of the education community, the GES hopes to create a more robust and modern disciplinary system that balances corrective measures with the ultimate goal of student reform. The outcome of this review is expected to provide a clearer, more enforceable roadmap for maintaining order and safety across Ghana's secondary schools.