Opoku Ware School is my alma mater, and being an old boy, I fully support the school's recent decisions and the Headmaster, Dr Frimpong-Nimoh's zero-tolerance approach to indiscipline in my former school. Indiscipline is a so ... read full comment
Opoku Ware School is my alma mater, and being an old boy, I fully support the school's recent decisions and the Headmaster, Dr Frimpong-Nimoh's zero-tolerance approach to indiscipline in my former school. Indiscipline is a social problem that needs to be tackled and Dr Frimpong-Nimoh is keen to make discipline work in the school. Clearly, I would have thought you, Dr Okoampa-Ahoofe should know better about school disciplinary issues and actions. If students cannot be disciplined for breaching school rules and codes of conduct, what kind of society do we expect in the future?
Now, let's examine the first issue of the suspension, expulsion and recall of the alleged 3 gay students: The cause of the disciplinary action was engaging in sexual activity with student colleagues on school premises. Of course, homosexual intercourse is a sex act. And any kind of sexual activity in school premises is gross misconduct. It constitutes a serious offence against the school's codes of conduct, and they cannot avoid formal discipline. How therefore can they be victims of prejudice and discrimination? Their sexual orientation is largely irrelevant. It comes down to a sex act.
Again, if it is believed the gay students were likely to encourage or force others to engage in homosexual activity in the school, then the decision to expel them from OWASS is necessary action. It's appropriate step in the exercise of reasonable care and protection of 'vulnerable' students.
In the case of the second issue of 30 students failure to turn up for Prep: OWASS is not just one of the best secondary schools in Ghana, in academic respects, but also has a reputation of turning out more well-rounded individuals able to thrive personally and professionally in life. Discipline has been key to the school's academic success. 'Prep' is part of school hours. Therefore, boarding students cannot pick and choose which study hours or school rules/routine to observe. It's the Headmaster's reponsiblity to ensure the students prepare well for their exams. If the school doesn't perform well academically, he will be shown the door.
Understandably, in a large boarding school like OWASS, it's almost impossible to point out or catch all those who skipped the 'Prep' time. Therefore the suspension of the 30 students serves as a deterrent to the rest of the student body.
I don't think Dr Frimpong-Nimoh went overboard in his/school's decisions. In my opinion, he took appropriate, reasonable and necessary disciplinary actions. He needs to protect reputation of OWASS, maintain discipline and academic standards.
The lack of school discipline, the lack of respect for school authority the indictment on the state of Ghana, today!
Opoku Ware School is my alma mater, and being an old boy, I fully support the school's recent decisions and the Headmaster, Dr Frimpong-Nimoh's zero-tolerance approach to indiscipline in my former school. Indiscipline is a so ...
read full comment