Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has hinted at plans to review the punishment regime in the country’s secondary schools to empower the Ghana Education Service (GES) to deal decisively with growing acts of indiscipline among students.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, Mr Iddrisu, who is also the Tamale South MP, said his Ministry would convene a national stakeholders’ conference in Sunyani in the Bono Region before the end of July.

The conference, he explained, will bring together education stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to curb misconduct in schools.

Mr Iddrisu cited disturbing incidents of students selling marijuana and other narcotic drugs on school campuses.

Mr Iddrisu also recounted cases where students assaulted a teacher-invigilator who had prevented them from cheating during examinations.

In another instance, students removed CCTV cameras installed by school authorities to avoid having their misconduct recorded.

The Minister stressed that such acts undermine discipline and academic integrity, and called for stronger measures to restore order in schools.

He emphasised that the review of the punishment regime would give the GES the authority to act more effectively against offenders.

Concerns about indiscipline in Ghanaian secondary schools have grown in recent years, with reports of drug abuse, violence against teachers, and disregard for school rules.

The Education Ministry has previously introduced interventions such as guidance and counselling units, installation of surveillance cameras, and collaboration with parents and communities.

However, stakeholders continue to call for tougher measures to safeguard teaching and learning environments.