Education Minister Calls on Otumfuo to Champion National School Discipline Drive

Ghana's Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, has made a direct and public appeal to one of the country's most revered traditional rulers — the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II — to lead a nationwide campaign aimed at reversing a troubling rise in indiscipline across the country's schools. The appeal was made at a high-profile gathering, underscoring how seriously the government views the situation.

A historic occasion, a timely appeal

The minister made his call during the 150th anniversary celebrations of Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast on Saturday, 14th November, with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II seated as a special guest. Addressing the Asantehene directly, Mr Iddrisu urged him to take the helm of a broad coalition that would include fellow traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents and students.

"Otumfuo, we may call on you to lead an indiscipline campaign together with other traditional rulers across the country," the minister said. He proposed that the campaign be anchored around the Twi slogan "Yɛmma school mmra no yɛ adwuma" — loosely translated as "Let us allow the school regulations to work."

Mr Iddrisu was clear that the campaign should go well beyond the enforcement of school rules. He envisioned it as a wider societal push to cultivate respect for authority, personal accountability and responsible conduct — values he believes are foundational to tackling corruption and the misuse of public resources in the long run.

"If the rules work, there will be discipline, there will be no corruption, there will be no abuse or looting of State resources. Children will learn and respect their teachers and will respect community leaders, and there will be self-respect at that level," he said.

Why it matters for Ghana

The minister's appeal reflects a widely shared concern among educators, parents and policymakers that indiscipline in Ghanaian schools has reached a critical level. Reports of student misconduct, disregard for school authorities and even violent incidents on school campuses have become increasingly common in recent years, raising alarm about the values being cultivated in the next generation.

By turning to traditional rulers — and the Asantehene in particular — the government is acknowledging that legislation and school administrators alone cannot solve the problem. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commands enormous moral authority not just in Ashanti but across Ghana, and his involvement in any national initiative would likely lend it significant credibility and reach.

The involvement of religious institutions adds another important dimension. Mr Iddrisu noted that church and Muslim leaders must be part of the solution, recognising that faith communities remain powerful shapers of values and behaviour in Ghanaian society.

Importantly, the minister also disclosed concrete steps already underway. He revealed that a government committee to advise on disciplinary measures in schools was constituted on Friday, 13th November — the day before the anniversary event — and that it is being chaired by the Catholic Church. This signals that the administration intends to move beyond rhetoric and implement structured reforms.

Schools at the centre, but the solution lies beyond them

A key message from Mr Iddrisu was that schools cannot bear this burden alone. The challenge of indiscipline, he argued, is rooted in broader societal attitudes that must be addressed collectively.

• Traditional authorities are being asked to mobilise communities around shared values of respect and accountability.
• Religious leaders — both Christian and Muslim — are expected to reinforce moral education from their pulpits and platforms.
• Parents are being reminded of their frontline responsibility in shaping the conduct of young people before they even enter the classroom.

Whether Otumfuo Osei Tutu II formally accepts the role being proposed for him remains to be seen, but the minister's public appeal at such a symbolically significant occasion suggests the government is serious about building a broad national front. For Ghana's schools — and ultimately for Ghanaian society — the stakes could hardly be higher.