Minister for Education urges SHS heads to step up checks against drugs and weapons in schools

The Minister for Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has called on heads of senior high schools to tighten inspection routines and enhance supervision to prevent students from bringing drugs, knives, and other prohibited items onto school campuses.

Addressing members of the Conference of Heads of Government-Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) at the Sunyani Technical University on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Mr. Iddrisu expressed concern over rising safety risks in some schools, urging heads to take proactive measures.

“We must step up inspection and supervision,” he said. “School heads have a responsibility to ensure a safe learning environment free from drugs and weapons.”

This meeting marked Mr. Iddrisu’s first official engagement with CHASS since assuming office. Heads of public SHSs nationwide attended the session to deliberate on persistent challenges in the sector.

He acknowledged issues such as inadequate non-teaching staff, strains within the double-track system, and outstanding debts from previous administrations. Mr. Iddrisu pledged urgent action to address these concerns, describing education as a "national emergency" that requires collective effort.

The Minister also introduced the new leadership of the Ghana Education Service (GES), naming Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis as Acting Director-General, with Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi and Dr. Manawaru Issahaque as deputies.

CHASS members voiced concerns about inadequate resources, undue external influence, and perceived unfair disciplinary actions against some school heads. GES officials assured them of fair processes and committed to strengthening collaboration to improve conditions across public senior high schools.