Lawyer and energy expert Lom-Nuku Ahlijah has identified declining supervision in Ghanaian schools as a significant factor contributing to increased student indiscipline. He stated that a rise in student populations, particularly following the introduction of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, has not been met with adequate investment in educational resources. This has led to a situation where teachers are stretched thin, making effective supervision a major challenge.
Mr. Ahlijah’s concerns come in the wake of a disturbing incident at Ada Senior High Technical School. In this case, four students were apprehended by the Ghana Police Service. The arrests followed the circulation of a video showing a student armed with a cutlass threatening fellow students on school grounds. This event highlights the severity of the indiscipline issue that Mr. Ahlijah is raising awareness about.
The energy expert explained that the success of the Free SHS programme, which expanded access to education for many Ghanaian youth, has also presented serious challenges. The programme has led to a substantial increase in student enrolment. However, this surge in numbers has not been matched by a proportional increase in the number of teachers or improvements in school infrastructure. The teacher-to-student ratio has grown, making it harder for educators to provide the close supervision needed.
"Supervision is less than it used to be, and it is a fact we cannot run away from. That is the reality on many school campuses. Supervision is not what it used to be," Mr. Ahlijah stated during an interview on JoyNews on May 25. He emphasized that the government’s investment in the education sector has not kept pace with the expansion driven by the Free SHS initiative. This lack of investment affects the very fabric of school management and student behaviour.
Mr. Ahlijah also stressed the crucial role of parents in addressing student indiscipline. He believes that parents must remain actively involved in monitoring their children's behaviour and development. Relying solely on teachers is no longer feasible, as they are dealing with larger class sizes. The responsibility for a child’s good conduct is a shared one, with parental guidance being a primary component.
The implications of this trend are significant for Ghana’s future stability and human capital development. If schools continue to struggle with maintaining discipline and adequate supervision, incidents of violence and unrest could escalate. This could disrupt the learning environment and negatively impact academic outcomes for thousands of students. Mr. Ahlijah warned that without substantial reforms and increased investment in the education sector, these disciplinary issues are likely to persist and potentially worsen.
This situation points to a broader challenge in Ghana’s public finance management. Significant policy initiatives like Free SHS require substantial and sustained budgetary allocations. Failure to adequately fund these programmes can have unintended negative consequences. The Ministry of Education faces pressure to balance access with quality. Resources must be allocated not only for tuition fees but also for expanding classroom space, hiring more teachers, and improving boarding facilities. The energy expert’s comments underscore the need for a strategic review of educational spending.
Looking ahead, policymakers will need to address the funding gaps in the education sector. This may involve a combination of increased government spending and exploring innovative financing mechanisms. The effectiveness of future educational policies will depend on their ability to integrate expansion with robust oversight and resource allocation. The incident at Ada Senior High Technical School serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.