Heads of Senior High Schools (SHSs) are calling for the publication of disciplinary data across schools as part of efforts to address the growing cases of indiscipline among students.
The proposal was made during a stakeholder engagement on promoting discipline and peaceful coexistence in schools, where school leaders argued that making disciplinary records publicly available would help identify trends, strengthen accountability, and guide interventions to improve student behaviour.
The heads noted that access to such data would enable education authorities to better understand the causes of indiscipline and develop targeted strategies to address them. They believe it would also encourage schools to adopt effective disciplinary measures and share best practices.
In addition to publishing disciplinary data, the school heads called for greater investment in Guidance and Counselling Units, saying well-resourced counselling services would help address behavioural challenges before they escalate.
They also recommended stronger parental involvement in disciplinary processes, arguing that students are more likely to change their behaviour when parents actively support schools in enforcing discipline.
According to the participants, addressing the root causes of indiscipline including peer pressure, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate facilities, unresolved conflicts, and other social challenges will require collaboration among schools, parents, education authorities, and communities.
The recommendations form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen discipline in Ghana’s second-cycle institutions and create safer, more conducive learning environments for both students and teachers.