Counselor proposes L.I. to back teachers to instil discipline in students 

Mrs. Janet Adu-Poku - Counsellor

Mrs. Janet Adu-Poku is the CEO of Wiseup Consult. This guidance and counselling centre focuses on youth addictions and challenges. She has expressed concern about rising indiscipline in secondary schools. She believes this issue needs a national response.

Her worries follow recent incidents involving firearms at schools. At SDA SHS in Kumasi, a firearm was found during a dormitory search. A similar discovery occurred at Osei Kyeretwie Secondary School on May 14, 2025.

In an interview with Otec FM, Mrs. Adu-Poku described the situation as overwhelming. She noted that indiscipline rates are increasing in secondary schools. According to her, the educational system has "broken down." Teachers lack authority to discipline students effectively.

She added that teachers are no longer respected by students. Some school leaders also hide incidents that could harm their school's reputation.

Mrs. Adu-Poku identified several factors contributing to indiscipline. These include poor parental control, bad peer influence, and drug abuse. She mentioned that school counselling units are often inactive and micromanaged.

To improve security in schools, she recommended installing CCTV cameras and police posts. She also called for better collaboration between parents and school authorities. Additionally, she suggested passing legislation to empower teachers to discipline students.

Finally, Mrs. Adu-Poku urged parents with firearms to secure them properly. “If you don’t discipline your child, his/her actions will discipline you,” she advised parents.

*From Oswald Pius Freiku, Kumasi*