EAI Rejects Military Solutions to Violence on Campuses Proposed by GNAT, Advocates for School Social Workers – William Boadi
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has expressed concern over the alarming rise in school violence, proposing the deployment of military personnel on campuses as a means of maintaining order and ensuring the safety of students and teachers. However, the Educate Africa Institute (EAI), an education think tank, has strongly opposed this suggestion, arguing that militarizing school environments could create fear rather than discipline. According to EAI, the presence of armed forces on campuses is not a sustainable solution and could lead to further tensions rather than addressing the root causes of school violence.
Instead of military intervention, EAI advocates for the recruitment of school social workers, who are professionally trained to handle student behavioral, emotional, and academic challenges. The institute believes that social workers can provide the necessary counseling and conflict resolution services that students need, ensuring a safer and more conducive learning atmosphere. By addressing issues such as peer pressure, inadequate parental supervision, and mental health concerns, social workers can help students develop positive behaviors, thereby reducing violent incidents in schools.
EAI is calling on the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize long-term policy reforms that focus on preventive measures rather than reactive enforcement. Investing in school social work services, counseling programs, and student support systems will offer a more effective and humane solution to curbing school violence. The organization urges collaboration among educators, parents, policymakers, and social workers to develop holistic strategies that promote student safety and academic excellence without resorting to military interventions.
Signed
William Boadi
Executive Director of EAI, Educationist, Political analyst, and Social Worker.
+233541935106
Anthony Cobbinah
Director of Quality Assurance and Advocacy, EAI
+233243679469
EAI: EDUCATION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE.