We won’t defend teachers who assault students – GES

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has reiterated its caution to teachers against corporal punishment.

Mr Gideon Tsawodzi, the Volta Regional Guidance and Counselling Coordinator said, the Service had banned caning in private and public primary and secondary schools and will not defend any teacher reported for assaulting pupils and students.

He said the decision is to promote safe and protective learning and teaching environment for children and teachers.

Mr Tsawodzi said reports indicated that some teachers are not keen on practising positive discipline or complying with laid down procedure for discipline developed by the GES and said those teachers will not enjoy any protection from the Service.

He said perceptions by some teachers and parents that “the African child needs the cane” is wrong and asked teachers to comply with the positive discipline directive.

Mr Tsawodzi noted that corporal punishment leaves emotional scars like trauma, fear and timidity on children and advised teachers to try bringing pupils and teachers closer than sending them away with the cane.

He said parents also are allowed to file cases of assault against teachers who injure or lash a child.

Mr Tsawodzi said in cases, where children transgressed positive discipline, they should be referred to guidance and counselling centres in schools or districts.

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Source: GNA