A Business Development Executive and Social Analyst, Mr Daniel Kwafo Obeng, has called on the Ghana Education Service (GES), parents and school authorities to intensify efforts to prevent abuse and safeguard students in schools across the country.

Speaking on The People’s Parliament on the topic, “Abuse in Our Various Schools,” Mr Kwafo Obeng identified verbal abuse, bullying and excessive punishment as some of the challenges affecting students’ well-being and academic performance.

He warned that persistent bullying and other forms of abuse could undermine students’ confidence, contribute to school dropout and expose them to harmful behaviours, including substance abuse.

Mr Kwafo Obeng also cautioned that routine school activities, such as weeding, could become abusive when students are subjected to excessive workloads, intimidation or unfair treatment.

He urged teachers to recognise and respect students’ individual differences, listen to their concerns and exercise professionalism in their interactions with them. He further cautioned educators against taking out personal frustrations on students.

On the role of parents, Mr Kwafo Obeng encouraged those with children in boarding schools to maintain regular contact with them, monitor their welfare and create a supportive environment in which they can freely report their experiences without fear of punishment or intimidation.

He also urged parents and guardians to report suspected cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities, including the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service.

Mr Kwafo Obeng called on the GES and other relevant stakeholders to thoroughly investigate allegations of abuse, enforce existing child protection measures and strengthen monitoring mechanisms in schools.

He stressed the need for a collective commitment from teachers, parents, school administrators and education authorities to ensure that schools remain safe, supportive and conducive to effective teaching and learning.

Report by Belinda