By Angela Adu-Asomaning and Kimberley Nyarko Amoako
Chairman of the National Peace Council, Most Rev. Emmanuel Fianu, has called for a united front to address rising youth delinquency in second-cycle schools. He warned that the growing trend poses a serious threat to Ghana’s peace and stability and must be treated as a matter of national urgency. He made the remarks at the commemoration of the International Day of Peace in Accra.
The National Peace Council marked this year’s International Day of Peace under the theme: “Act Now for a Peaceful Ghana: Addressing Youth Delinquency in Second-Cycle Schools.” The event highlighted the increasing challenge of indiscipline among students in senior high schools, which officials say is driven by childhood experiences, environmental pressures, and shifting social dynamics.
Most Rev. Fianu said the council remains committed to promoting peace in educational institutions and will ensure that rising delinquency is tackled decisively.
“The National Peace Council is not standing idle. We are committed to developing partnerships with stakeholders to build peace in our schools, particularly through the establishment of peace clubs,” he added.
The United Nations Representative in Ghana, Zia Choudhury, welcomed the council’s memorandum on religious tolerance in schools and commended the Ministry of Education for its efforts to create safe learning spaces. He stressed that peace fosters hope and trust, adding that families, schools, and communities all have a role to play in nurturing values and guiding the next generation.
“Families, community members, parents, siblings, religious leaders, and civil society all have a role to play when it comes to promoting peace. Ghana has a long tradition of being a peacemaker, not only within the country but across the region and the globe. I believe we have all the tools and customs in place to maintain peace in our schools, homes, and communities,” he emphasised.
A spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, expressed concern over the growing incidents of students attacking teachers and their peers. He urged parents and state institutions to treat the matter with urgency.
“I was broken to the marrow when I heard that a student had hit his teacher in the eye. It must be a matter of concern for state institutions like the Ministry of Education, the schools themselves, parents, and families. We need to help students understand the stage they are in and how critical it is for their lives,” he stated.
The programme brought together key stakeholders, including students from second-cycle institutions, civil society groups, diplomatic missions, development partners, and the media, to deliberate on practical strategies to address indiscipline in schools.
