File photo of a student being disciplined by the teacher
The Frimpong-Manso Institute (FMI) has called for urgent national action to address what it describes as growing indiscipline in schools and deepening moral decay in Ghanaian society.
In a press release dated February 25, 2026, the institute said recent incidents of violence and sexual abuse involving students point to a worrying breakdown of discipline that demands immediate and decisive intervention.
According to FMI, “earth-shattering and soul-wrenching images of student atrocities” during recent inter-school athletics competitions have reverberated across the country and beyond.
The institute also referenced the reported sexual abuse of a female student by male colleagues in broad daylight at the Kumasi Sports Stadium, describing the incidents as symptomatic of “the degree of rottenness in our schools in particular, and society in general.”
While acknowledging the decision by authorities in the Central Region to suspend annual sporting events following the molestation incident, FMI argued that such measures only “scratch the surface” of what it called “deep-rooted and hydra-headed problems of waywardness in our schools and lawlessness in our nation.”
The institute stressed the need for what it termed “brutal frankness” in confronting the crisis, urging stakeholders to adopt the “most appropriate policy surgery” to cure the situation.
To this end, FMI has proposed the immediate establishment of a national committee — or committees — comprising key stakeholders to diagnose the causes of declining discipline in schools and worsening societal values.
It suggested that the findings of such a body be subjected to national debate and rigorous scrutiny before concrete policy prescriptions are formulated and implemented with seriousness.
Beyond state-led interventions, the Frimpong-Manso Institute placed responsibility on parents, churches and other religious organisations to intensify efforts to instill strong moral values in children and members.
“Meanwhile, the ball is right in the court of all parents, churches and other religious groups to go the extra mile to shape the lives of their children and their members to reflect the highest moral standards and the fear of God,” the statement said.
The release was issued by FMI President, Rev Prof Paul Frimpong-Manso; Rev COP (Rtd) Dr David Ampah-Bennin, FMI Thematic Chair for Media, Security and Cyber Security; and Dr Roland Affail Monney, FMI Fellow for the same thematic area.
The institute’s call adds to growing public debate over discipline in educational institutions and the broader moral direction of the country.
