Gov’t Empowers SHS Heads to Conduct Student Searches to Curb Indiscipline – Deputy Education Minister

Accra, Ghana – The Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has confirmed that the government has officially permitted heads of senior high schools (SHS) to conduct searches on students as part of a nationwide strategy to combat rising cases of indiscipline and misconduct in schools.

Speaking during a stakeholders' forum on school safety in Accra, the Deputy Minister described the measure as “necessary and timely”, citing growing concerns over the use of illicit substances, possession of dangerous items, and general disregard for school regulations among students.

“We are not going to wait until the next tragedy hits. Heads of schools now have the full backing of the Ministry to search students when necessary, provided it is done within legal and ethical bounds,” he said.

Rising Concerns Over Discipline

This policy comes amid a spate of troubling incidents in several SHSs, including violent clashes, substance abuse, destruction of school property, and open defiance of authority. Recent viral videos have also highlighted cases of students openly smoking on campus and insulting teachers.

Education think tanks and civil society groups have warned that the erosion of discipline in schools threatens not only academic performance but also national values and long-term human capital development.

Guidelines and Safeguards

The Ministry of Education has assured the public that clear guidelines will accompany the new directive to prevent abuse of authority and protect the dignity of students. Searches are expected to be:

• Supervised by school management

• Conducted in the presence of at least one neutral adult witness

• Carried out respectfully and without bias

Parents are being engaged to support the policy, which has already begun rolling out in selected high-risk schools.

Mixed Reactions

While some parents and educators have welcomed the move as “long overdue,” others have raised concerns about the potential for abuse of student rights and over-policing of school environments.

“It’s a delicate balance. We want safety, but we don’t want our children treated like criminals,” said a parent at Wesley Girls’ High School.

Legal experts have advised that school heads be trained in basic rights and search procedures to avoid lawsuits or unintended trauma.