The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has expressed concern over the alarming rise in school violence, proposing the deployment of military personnel on campuses to maintain order and ensure the safety of students and teachers.
However, the Educate Africa Institute (EAI), an education think tank, strongly opposes this suggestion, arguing that militarizing school environments could instill fear rather than discipline.
According to EAI, the presence of armed forces on campuses is not a sustainable solution and could escalate tensions rather than address the root causes of school violence.
Instead of military intervention, EAI advocates for the recruitment of school social workers, who are professionally trained to handle students’ behavioral, emotional, and academic challenges.
In an interview with Ohene Kinnah on Plan B FM’s Ebaanosen show on Friday, January 7, 2025, the President of the Educate Africa Institute, William Boadi, stated that the institute disagrees with GNAT’s proposal.
Boadi further explained that social workers can provide essential counseling and conflict resolution services to students, fostering a safer and more conducive learning environment.
“By addressing issues such as peer pressure, inadequate parental supervision, and mental health concerns, social workers can help students develop positive behaviors, thereby reducing violent incidents in schools,” he noted.
“We are calling on the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize long-term policy reforms that focus on preventive measures rather than reactive enforcement. Investing in school social work services, counseling programs, and student support systems will provide a more effective and humane solution to curbing school violence,” he appealed.
The organization urges collaboration among educators, parents, policymakers, and social workers to develop holistic strategies that promote student safety and academic excellence without resorting to military interventions.
By: Boakye Emmanuel
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