Sawla, Savannah Region, Ghana – Over 30 students, predominantly girls, from Sawla Senior High School in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District have been indefinitely suspended, sparking outrage among parents and raising concerns about the school's disciplinary practices and communication.
The students were accused of violating Ghana Education Service (GES) regulations by bringing mobile phones to school. However, allegations of further "immoral activities" on campus, according to sources within the District Directorate of GES, contributed to the severity of the punishment. A seven-member committee investigated these allegations and subsequently found the students guilty, resulting in their immediate and indefinite suspension.
This action has been met with fierce resistance from parents who claim they were not formally notified of their children's suspension. Many learned of the disciplinary action through third parties, leaving them distressed and uncertain about their children's well-being and whereabouts. Parents are criticizing the school's decision to act unilaterally, bypassing the established practice of involving families in disciplinary processes. The lack of communication and transparency has exacerbated parental anxieties.
Sawla Senior High School has a history of controversy. Previous incidents, including inappropriate tutor-student relationships, have resulted in dismissals and suspensions, raising questions about the school's overall management and its ability to foster a safe and supportive learning environment. Further adding to the school's troubled reputation is its consistently poor academic performance. In the 2022 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the school achieved the lowest ranking in the Savannah Region, a region that itself placed last nationally.
The recent mass suspension has brought these long-standing issues back into sharp focus. The incident highlights a critical need for improved communication between the school administration and parents, as well as a review of the school's disciplinary procedures to ensure fairness and transparency.
Authorities are yet to address the concerns raised by the affected families, leaving the situation unresolved and the future of the suspended students uncertain. The incident underscores a broader concern about the challenges facing education in the region and the need for systemic reforms to improve school management and student well-being.
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