The Upper East Chapter of the NDC has described as hash, cruel, heartless, insensitive and professional, the decision to dismiss the students of the Chiana Senior High School who were seen in a video making unsavory comments against the president of Ghana , Nana Akuffo Addo.
The Ghana Education Service in a letter dated 29th November, 2022 which was handed to parents of the eight students, dismissed them from the school and directed them to hand over all school properties in their possession to serve as a deterrent to other students.
“The Ghana Education Service has given approval for the dismissal of (Name withheld) with immediate effect to serve as a deterrent to other students.”
The Upper East branch of the NDC in a press release said though it condems the the behaviour of the students, the decision by the Director General to dismiss the students is hash, heartless and unprofessional.
“This behavior of the girls is distasteful and we without any equivocation condemn the act. Our education and school system as contained in the curricular are tailored to inculcate in the learner positive behavior, sound moral values and right attitudes that reflects our very culture, tradition and aspiration as a country. So, to have these girls behave the way they did is uncalled for and must not be encouraged.”
“However, it was with great shock and dismay when we intercepted a letter signed by the acting Director General of the Ghana Education Service, Dr. Eric Nkansah, dated 29th November, 2022 dismissing one of the girls citing the reason that “in view of their involvement in misconducting themselves by making derogatory comments in a video that went viral”. This decision we believe is not only harsh but heartless, cruel, insensitive and unprofessional to say the least. Especially when well-meaning Ghanaians, CHASS, Upper East Region, and Child Right International have all called for authorities to seek reformation of these girls.”
The press release said it is trite knowledge that there there are abnormal students in every school who could put up abnormal behaviour or teen students who turn to exhibit radical behaviour as part of their growth period and that teachers should be aware of them and make for their different needs.
“Psychologists posit that there are somewhat “abnormal” children in every “normal” classroom and by extension the school system. It is trite knowledge that some students at that teen age turn to have challenges among which some tend to exhibited extreme radical behavior as part of their growth process. This, every professional teacher knows, therefore must make room for the different needs of all students in the school. We do not think the Ag. Director General is oblivious of this fact unless of cause he suggests otherwise. Hyperactive children tend to exhibit weird behavior. Sometimes, they go as far as abusing colleagues and others alike. In such cases it takes great professionalism to help such students to channel their energies into more productive activities to improve their learning outcomes, but not to deny them their right to education through dismissal.”
The NDC have therefore called on the Ghana Education Service to give the girls a second chance to correct their mistakes by reinstating them and making them to sign a bod of good behaviour.
“Do we not think that they deserve a second chance? Are we all not fallible and not immune to mistakes? Why crucify these little ones especially when they are first time offenders and should be given a second chance? Did Jesus Christ not admonish us in Matthew 18:22 to forgive seventy-seven times?”
“We therefore as a matter of urgency call on the Ag. Director General, GES to reinstate all eight (8) girls and to consider other reformative disciplinary options. Also, we call on the school authorities to provide psychological help to the girls through their Guidance and Counseling unit since they may seriously need one.”
By: Simon Agana Blessing/mywordfmonline.com