By Kafui Dey
Amid mounting concerns over student safety in boarding schools, Bright Appiah, Executive Director of Child Rights International, has made a startling assertion: many schools prioritize protecting their image rather than focusing on the welfare of their students. This provocative claim highlights a critical issue within Ghana’s education system that demands urgent attention.
A Focus on Image Over Welfare
In a recent interview on #GTVBreakfast hosted by Thelma Tackie, Appiah shed light on how some schools have seemingly neglected their duty of care to students in favor of maintaining a favorable public image. “Policies should be geared towards the welfare of children and not just to protect the school’s image,” Appiah stated emphatically. His remarks come in the wake of disturbing reports of student deaths in secondary schools, with a significant number linked to medical negligence.
The Disturbing Trend
The grim reality is that from 2021 to the present, there have been 11 reported deaths in secondary schools, with nine attributed to inadequate medical care. Appiah’s claim resonates with these troubling statistics, suggesting that schools might prioritize their reputation over implementing effective safety measures.
Appiah pointed out that this image-centric approach has severe consequences. “If a child is sick and you want to maintain discipline, that is not the time to deny them the care needed,” he explained. Such neglect can result in preventable tragedies and underscores the need for a shift in focus towards genuine student welfare.
The Role of Parents and Guardians
Given this alarming scenario, Appiah urges parents to take an active role in ensuring their children’s safety. “One of the key things you have to look out for as a parent is how safe the school is for your child,” he advised. This includes scrutinizing school facilities, understanding emergency protocols, and questioning school authorities about their health and safety policies.
Parents are encouraged to demand transparency and accountability from schools. “Schools must walk parents through the facilities they have so parents are aware of the situation in the school,” Appiah said. Such measures can help bridge the gap between public perception and actual safety conditions.
Advocating for Systemic Change
Appiah also highlighted the need for systemic reforms within the education sector. “We have made the school system so closed and this prevents parents from participating in improving their wards’ welfare,” he noted. This closed system often inhibits parents from effectively advocating for necessary changes and improvements in school policies.
To address these issues, Appiah calls for a comprehensive review of existing policies and the implementation of new guidelines that prioritize student safety over institutional image. “Policies should be geared towards the welfare of children and not to just protect the school’s image,” he reiterated.
A Call to Action
The stark reality of preventable deaths and the criticisms of schools’ focus on image underscore a pressing need for change. Both Child Rights International and Africa Edu Watch are working to improve safety standards in schools, but they emphasize that parents and guardians must also play an active role.
By staying informed, demanding transparency, and actively engaging with school authorities, parents can help ensure that their children’s welfare is given the priority it deserves.
As the dialogue continues, it is clear that addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort. Schools must refocus on their primary duty—ensuring the safety and well-being of their students—while parents and advocacy groups push for necessary reforms.
