President John Dramani Mahama has voiced serious concern over the increasing levels of indiscipline in Senior High Schools (SHSs) across Ghana.

President Mahama's comments align with recent warnings from the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), which has threatened protective action if the government fails to address the situation by the end of the month.

Speaking during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference at the Jubilee House on Friday, 23 May 2025, President Mahama stressed the need for a united front to combat the decline in discipline.

“There is a breakdown of values and morals, and that is creating some issues in our schools. There have been incidents where you find students with guns in our public schools. There is also the student who almost lost her eyesight because a student fired a gun,” he stated.

The President raised critical questions about how key aspects of the education system were being managed, including moral instruction and staff attendance.

“So, what do we do about our curriculum, moral education, discipline, and teacher absenteeism? The inspectorate division of the GES cannot be everywhere at the same time to make sure that teachers are in school,” he pointed out.

Mr Mahama further called for enhanced cooperation between the Ghana Education Service and religious institutions to ensure greater oversight. “So, how can we collaborate with the churches and find out whether the teachers who have been posted to these schools are actually going to schools and teaching? I think collaboration will help solve the issue,” he added.

Touching on a separate matter, President Mahama reflected on the ongoing battle against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.

He described it as a multifaceted challenge, worsened by economic hardship and youth unemployment.

The President also made a clear distinction between unlawful and lawful mining activities, stating, “Small-scale mining, when properly regulated, is not illegal.”