The Executive Director of the Institute for Education Studies, Peter Anti, has expressed reservations about growing public calls for the reintroduction of corporal punishment in Senior High Schools, warning that such a move would not address the deeper causes of indiscipline among students.

The renewed debate comes in the wake of several reported cases of violence, vandalism, and misconduct in some senior high schools across Ghana, which have sparked public concern and prompted some stakeholders to argue that stricter disciplinary measures — including caning — should be reinstated to restore order.

However, speaking to Citi News, Dr. Anti stressed that focusing solely on corporal punishment oversimplifies a complex problem involving student welfare, school management, parental responsibility, and broader social influences.

“I don’t know why we are so fixated with the cane. I don’t think that, looking at the nature of things these kids are doing, the cane would have been enough deterrent for them.

“I think that we need to look at this from a comprehensive perspective and ensure that we bring to the fore, all the assets, I mean all the tools in our toolbox and ensure that we are able to put these kids on a right track. I don’t think the cane alone or the cane itself is the answer to what you experienced.”