Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Mandates Dismissal for Students Selling Marijuana on Campus

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to implement a policy of outright dismissal for any student found selling marijuana on senior high school (SHS) campuses. Addressing Parliament on the alarming rise of drug peddling and indiscipline within pre-tertiary institutions, the Minister emphasized that such drastic measures are essential to prevent drug-dealing students from influencing their innocent peers. He argued that the current disciplinary climate requires a firm response to preserve the integrity of the educational environment.

During his briefing, the Minister highlighted a disturbing trend of resistance among students toward campus security measures. He specifically noted instances where students have opposed the installation of CCTV cameras, which are intended to bolster security and monitor illicit activities. This defiance, coupled with the increasing prevalence of narcotics, has led the Ministry to conclude that the existing punishment regime is no longer a sufficient deterrent against serious misconduct and criminal behavior on school grounds.

In addition to the immediate directive for dismissals, the Minister called for a comprehensive review of the Ghana Education Service’s disciplinary policies. He advocated for a shift toward tougher sanctions to address the evolving nature of campus indiscipline. By purging schools of individuals involved in drug trafficking, the Ministry aims to restore a sense of order and safety for the majority of the student body who are there to learn.

To address these systemic issues, the government has announced plans to host a national conference focused on school discipline and student behavior. This initiative will bring together various stakeholders to develop a unified strategy for strengthening the moral and social fabric of educational institutions. The Minister reassured Parliament and the public that the government remains dedicated to implementing robust measures that ensure schools remain safe spaces conducive to academic excellence, rather than hubs for illegal activities.