By Kafui Dey<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s education system that demands urgent attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Focus on Image Over Welfare<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. \u201cPolicies should be geared towards the welfare of children and not just to protect the school\u2019s image,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Disturbing Trend<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s claim resonates with these troubling statistics, suggesting that schools might prioritize their reputation over implementing effective safety measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Appiah pointed out that this image-centric approach has severe consequences. \u201cIf a child is sick and you want to maintain discipline, that is not the time to deny them the care needed,\u201d he explained. Such neglect can result in preventable tragedies and underscores the need for a shift in focus towards genuine student welfare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Role of Parents and Guardians<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Given this alarming scenario, Appiah urges parents to take an active role in ensuring their children\u2019s safety. \u201cOne of the key things you have to look out for as a parent is how safe the school is for your child,\u201d he advised. This includes scrutinizing school facilities, understanding emergency protocols, and questioning school authorities about their health and safety policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parents are encouraged to demand transparency and accountability from schools. \u201cSchools must walk parents through the facilities they have so parents are aware of the situation in the school,\u201d Appiah said. Such measures can help bridge the gap between public perception and actual safety conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Advocating for Systemic Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Appiah also highlighted the need for systemic reforms within the education sector. \u201cWe have made the school system so closed and this prevents parents from participating in improving their wards’ welfare,\u201d he noted. This closed system often inhibits parents from effectively advocating for necessary changes and improvements in school policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. \u201cPolicies should be geared towards the welfare of children and not to just protect the school\u2019s image,\u201d he reiterated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Call to Action<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The stark reality of preventable deaths and the criticisms of schools\u2019 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By staying informed, demanding transparency, and actively engaging with school authorities, parents can help ensure that their children\u2019s welfare is given the priority it deserves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the dialogue continues, it is clear that addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort. Schools must refocus on their primary duty\u2014ensuring the safety and well-being of their students\u2014while parents and advocacy groups push for necessary reforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n