The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has called for renewed collaboration between religious institutions, parents, schools and government to confront what he described as the growing crisis of indiscipline in second cycle schools.
According to the Minister, the increasing cases of examination malpractice, substance abuse, violence against teachers and the erosion of moral values among students pose a serious threat not only to the country’s educational system but also to its long-term socio-economic development.
Speaking at the 4th Ghana Catholic-Muslim Leaders Dialogue Meeting in Accra, held under the theme “Addressing the Challenges of Rising Indiscipline in Our Schools: The Role of Faith-Based Organizations,” Mr. Ibrahim said the time had come for stakeholders to deliberately invest in character formation if Ghana was to secure a responsible future generation.
He praised the longstanding collaboration between the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Office of the National Chief Imam, describing their partnership as a powerful example of how Christians and Muslims can work together to promote peace, discipline and national development.
The Minister noted that both religions share common values of faith, responsibility and moral uprightness, adding that these principles should guide efforts to reshape the attitudes of young people.
Drawing from his own life experiences, Mr. Ibrahim recounted how the activities of the Ghana Muslim Students’ Association during his days at Sunyani Secondary School more than three decades ago inspired many Muslim students to pursue education and leadership through peaceful engagement rather than confrontation.
He explained that the movement encouraged students to embrace discipline, tolerance and academic excellence, producing many professionals who now occupy key leadership positions across the country.
The Minister cited his own Chief Director, Alhaji Abdul Rami Amin, whom he described as one of the most disciplined and hardworking public servants, as an example of the positive impact of values-based education.
According to him, education anchored on strong moral principles can transform society and help build honest professionals committed to national development.
Mr. Ibrahim expressed concern that indiscipline in schools has gone beyond truancy and disrespect for authority.
He said schools are increasingly recording cases of substance abuse, violence against teachers and examination malpractice, warning that such behaviour threatens the country’s future workforce.
He lamented that teachers who attempt to discipline students often face resistance not only from the students themselves but also from some parents.
Sharing a personal childhood experience, the Minister narrated how his mother regularly collaborated with his teachers to correct his behaviour whenever he misbehaved.
He contrasted that experience with the current situation where some parents confront teachers for disciplining their children, making it increasingly difficult to instil discipline in schools.
The Minister argued that Ghana’s unemployment challenges cannot be separated from declining discipline and dishonesty within the education system.
He explained that examination malpractice and the production of graduates without integrity have reduced employers’ confidence in young workers.
According to him, many investors now prefer to invest in government securities instead of establishing businesses because they struggle to find trustworthy employees to manage their enterprises.
He further observed that even vehicle owners are reluctant to purchase commercial vehicles because of concerns over irresponsible drivers and poor work ethics.
Mr. Ibrahim stressed that unless the country addresses dishonesty, lack of discipline and disrespect for authority, unemployment would remain a persistent national challenge.
The Minister also reflected on the temporary removal of Religious and Moral Education (RME) from Ghana’s school curriculum in 2005, describing the decision as a mistake that weakened moral formation among young people.
He commended the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the National Chief Imam for successfully advocating for the restoration of the subject in 2007.
According to him, the reintroduction of RME helped restore an important component of values-based education and demonstrated the influence religious leaders can have in shaping national policy.
Quoting passages from both the Bible and the Quran, Mr. Ibrahim stressed that discipline, honesty and responsibility are central teachings of both faiths.
He cited biblical references including Galatians 6:7 and Proverbs 22:15, alongside Quranic teachings encouraging believers to promote what is right, reject wrongdoing and remain steadfast in righteousness.
The Minister acknowledged the historic role of churches and Islamic institutions in Ghana’s educational development through the establishment of mission schools and character formation.
He said faith-based organisations remain indispensable partners in promoting moral education, mentoring young people, supporting parents and advocating positive values within communities.
Mr. Ibrahim urged religious leaders to continue using dialogue, tolerance and education rather than confrontation to influence the younger generation.
He argued that the unity between Christians and Muslims, rooted in their shared Abrahamic heritage, provides a solid foundation for addressing many of Ghana’s social challenges.
The Minister assured religious leaders that the government remains committed to working closely with faith-based organisations to strengthen discipline and promote national cohesion.
He commended both the National Chief Imam and the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference for sustaining the annual dialogue platform, describing it as one of Ghana’s most important initiatives for fostering peaceful coexistence.
Mr. Ibrahim urged all stakeholders to protect the bonds of unity that hold the nation together, stressing that collective action, grounded in faith, discipline and mutual respect, is essential for raising responsible future leaders and securing Ghana’s development.
By 1960news.com
