Ghana Education Service (GES) has released Code of Conduct for Ghana’s pre-tertiary students.
In the efforts to amend issues with behaviour of students/pupils in schools across the country, GES has produced rules to managements.
It has been stated that schools managements should not use the rules in the GES code of conduct as a way of restricting students’ freedom.
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“The rules and regulations in the Code should not be regarded merely as a catalogue of offences, and penalties or restraint on students’ freedoms.”
GES added that the code of conduct ”are rather meant to ensure that the conditions for effective teaching and learning are created and maintained in the country’s pre-tertiary educational institutions.”
It is also intended to inspire confidence among students and other stakeholders in the delivery of education and the assurance that the students of the school system are being trained to be responsible community members.
Ghana Education Service (GES) went on to explain some rules/terms in the code of conduct means and which are tantamount to offense and the sanctions attached. Continue reading that below.
Rules of Conduct for Students
Conduct
Conduct in this context (Code) is behaviour, attitude(s) and character that ought to be exhibited by a student within and outside the school compound.
The standards of conduct generally required of any student of the GES should be good leadership, selflessness, honesty, respect for others, authority and general obedience to the school rules and regulations in this code.
Misconduct
Any act or omission without reasonable excuse by a student or pupil that amounts to a demonstration of a behaviour, attitude or character that generally offends the provisions of the code or any unreasonable conduct that is otherwise likely to bring the school into disrepute shall constitute a misconduct.
However, the setting forth of particular types of misconduct is not exhaustive. b. Any act of misconduct or non-observance of any of the rules and regulations in this code shall lead to disciplinary action.
Any act of misconduct by a student not expressly mentioned in this Code or in any other regulation shall be dealt with by the Disciplinary Authority of the school as if it is part of the Code.
It is important to state that these rules should, however, not be interpreted or applied to prevent any student from freely expressing his/her views and that the conduct among students should not be affected in any way by acts done in good faith.
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According to GES, students shall demonstrate courtesy and respect towards everyone. They must respect the elders of society, as Ghanaian custom demands.
The Service continued to state what misconduct means and some are written below for a brief perusal.
Flouting Lawful Authority
Flouting lawful authority and directives of the Head, Staff and Prefects shall constitute a misconduct.
Absence from School
Reporting late to school on reopening or from approved breaks without reasonable excuse, is a misconduct.
Failure to be present at any academic activity without reasonable cause, is a misconduct.
Any excuse to be absent from school without formal communication bythe parent/guardian to the school, constitute a misconduct.
Attendance at all School Assemblies
Attendance at all school gatherings shall be compulsory for all students and good conduct shall be observed at such gatherings.
School/Class Attendance
Students shall not absent themselves from school without any reasonable excuse. Students shall not absent themselves from classes without permission. Boarders shall attend evening/night preps.
Loitering
No student shall be found loitering at odd times and at odd places.
Academic Work
Students shall participate in all academic activities and do all class exercises/assignments/homework without fail.
Examinations and Examination Malpractices
Ghana Education Service (GES) has stated the following as offense if students go against the rules and regulations of the code of conducts.
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“All examinations conducted by the school are compulsory for all students. Failure to write examinations without a good reason constitutes a very serious offence.”
”Persistent refusal to write examinations shall constitute gross misconduct.”
”All students are required to keep within bounds at all times. Students shall not leave the school compound without proper permission.”
It stated that ”students must dress neatly and wear prescribed attire and footwear always. No alterations to school uniforms or dresses shall be allowed.”
GES has also cautioned against vandalization and damaging of school properties.
”Students must take good care of locks, furniture, plumbing items, books, louvre blades, glass panels, electrical fitting, etc. Water and electricity must not be wasted.”
”It shall be a misconduct for any student to engage in sexual relations”, GES stated.
According to GES, any student found in possession of any weapon or a replica weapon shall constitute a misconduct.
“Any breach or non-observance of any section of the Rules of Conduct shall constitute misconduct for which the offender shall be liable to a disciplinary action”, GES added to the code of conduct.
To download full document, CLICK HERE.
Source: bbcpulse.com