{
  "id": 17794302,
  "title": "GES cautions teachers against painful forms of punishment in schools",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/ges-cautions-teachers-against-painful-forms-of-punishment-in-schools",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T12:18:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/ges-cautions-teachers-against-painful-forms-of-punishment-in-schools/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a warning to teachers against employing painful disciplinary methods in schools. These practices include frog jumping, students standing in the sun for extended periods, and carrying heavy loads with their hands outstretched. Dr Ishak Munawaru, the Deputy Director-General of Quality and Access at GES, emphasized that such actions violate professional standards and the Service's Code of Conduct. Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Dr Munawaru clarified that teachers are prohibited from using physical force on students or causing them torture. He highlighted that the GES, in partnership with its unions, provides the Code of Conduct to guide teachers and other staff in upholding their professional responsibilities and rights. The document is also part of the materials used during promotion interviews and examinations for officers aiming for higher positions within the Service. The recent disciplinary action against teachers involved in an assault on students at Techiman Senior High School has reignited discussions about physical punishment in schools. Dr Munawaru explained that sanctions aim to punish wrongdoing while also reforming those involved. He stressed that every penal system is graduated and intended to be reformative. However, any further misconduct of a similar nature by teachers would face more severe sanctions. According to Dr Munawaru, the investigation into the Techiman incident did not reveal any prior misconduct by the teachers, indicating it was their first recorded offense. The GES is also awaiting the results of investigations into alleged sexual misconduct at Obuasi Senior High Technical School. The committee formed to investigate these allegations has visited the school and is engaging with relevant individuals. A substantiated allegation of sexual harassment could lead to dismissal, with the GES headquarters treating the matter seriously and reviewing the committee’s recommendations before deciding on further action. Dr Munawaru emphasized that the GES could also review the disciplinary decisions of the school-level committee if necessary, pending the committee's updates.",
  "summary": "The Ghana Education Service (GES) has cautioned teachers against subjecting students to painful forms of punishment, including frog jumping, prolonged standing in the sun and carrying heavy loads with outstretched hands. The Deputy Director-General of Quality and Access at the GES, Dr Ishak Munawaru, said such practices were inconsistent with the professional standards expected of teachers and…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}