Rethinking Weeding as Punishment in Ghanaian Schools: Educational and Developmental Implications

This paper examines the practice of assigning weeding as punishment in Ghanaian schools and its broader implications for student psychology, educational outcomes, and national development. Drawing on disciplinary theories and policy perspectives, the study argues that associating farming activities with punitive measures fosters negative perceptions of agriculture among students. The discussion further highlights the need for alternative disciplinary approaches that reinforce positive values without undermining the agricultural sector, which remains central to Ghana’s economic sustainability.

Introduction

Discipline in education is a fundamental aspect of child development, ensuring that students acquire values such as responsibility, respect, and self-control (Okumbe, 2001). In Ghana, one of the most common disciplinary measures used in basic and secondary schools is weeding, where students are instructed to clear grass or bushes as a consequence of misconduct. Former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah publicly criticized this practice, contending that it discourages young people from pursuing farming as a career (GhanaWeb, 2016). His assertion invites academic reflection on the psychological and socio-economic implications of this disciplinary practice.

Historical and Cultural Context

The use of manual labor as punishment in African schools has colonial roots, where physical tasks such as weeding or cleaning were used to enforce obedience (Boakye, 2019). Over time, the practice became normalized in Ghanaian schools, justified by its dual function of discipline and maintenance of the school environment. While efficient in the short term, such measures have unintended long-term effects on students’ attitudes toward farming.

Psychological and Educational Implications

According to Skinner’s behaviorist theory of punishment, undesirable behavior is reduced by associating it with aversive stimuli (Skinner, 1953). In the case of weeding, however, the aversive stimulus (manual farming-related activity) overlaps with a vital sector of national development. This association fosters negative attitudes toward agriculture, reinforcing perceptions of farming as punishment rather than opportunity. Studies on student attitudes in sub-Saharan Africa confirm that many young people perceive agriculture as “dirty work” and aspire to white-collar professions instead (Afande, Maina, & Maina, 2015).

Furthermore, the self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000) emphasizes that intrinsic motivation thrives when tasks are perceived as meaningful. When weeding is framed as punishment, its intrinsic value as a productive activity is lost, thereby diminishing students’ motivation to view agriculture positively.

Alternatives to Weeding as Punishment

Progressive educational systems advocate for restorative disciplinary practices, which focus on accountability, reflection, and personal growth (Morrison, 2005). Alternatives that can be adopted in Ghanaian schools include:

Reflective writing on the consequences of misbehavior.

Community service projects that benefit the school without stigmatizing farming.

Peer mentoring and conflict-resolution programs.

Leadership responsibilities that teach accountability.

Such measures build character while preserving agriculture’s dignity.

National Development Implications

Agriculture contributes significantly to Ghana’s GDP and employs a large percentage of the population (World Bank, 2022). Discouraging the youth from farming through negative associations undermines national strategies aimed at agricultural modernization and food security. As Aryeetey and Kanbur (2017) argue, structural transformation in Ghana depends heavily on repositioning agriculture as an attractive sector for the youth. If schools perpetuate farming as a punishment, this vision will be difficult to achieve.

Conclusion

The use of weeding as punishment in Ghanaian schools transcends issues of discipline; it affects national attitudes toward agriculture and long-term development. Julius Debrah’s call to reconsider this practice underscores the need for a shift toward disciplinary approaches that promote respect for farming while still upholding order in schools. By adopting restorative and motivational disciplinary strategies, Ghanaian schools can foster discipline, preserve agricultural dignity, and align education with the nation’s developmental priorities.

References

Afande, F. O., Maina, W. N., & Maina, M. P. (2015). Youth engagement in agriculture in Kenya: Challenges and prospects. Journal of Culture, Society and Development, 7(1), 4–19.

Aryeetey, E., & Kanbur, R. (2017). The economy of Ghana sixty years after independence. Oxford University Press.

Boakye, J. K. (2019). Corporal punishment and discipline in Ghanaian schools: Historical and contemporary issues. African Educational Review, 11(2), 45–60.

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.

GhanaWeb. (2016, May 17). Julius Debrah calls for end to weeding as punishment in schools. Retrieved from https://www.ghanaweb.com

Morrison, B. (2005). Restorative justice in schools. In E. Elliott & R. Gordon (Eds.), New directions in restorative justice (pp. 26–51). Routledge.

Okumbe, J. A. (2001). Human resource management: An educational perspective. Educational Development and Research Bureau.

Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. Macmillan.

World Bank. (2022). Ghana agriculture sector overview. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org

When results are cancelled, dreams are cancelled too. It's time to break the cycle.

 

Each year, the release of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results is met with great anticipation across Ghana. For many families, it is a defining moment marking the transition from junior high school to senior high school and determining the future paths of thousands of students. Yet, alongside the excitement, there is often a cloud of anxiety brought about by a recurring issue: the cancellation of results.

A Perennial Problem:

Over the years, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has had to withhold or cancel portions of results due to examination malpractices. These may include cases of leaked papers, impersonation, the use of unauthorized materials, or collusion among candidates. Unfortunately, this has become a perennial occurrence. Instead of focusing solely on celebrating the achievements of students, stakeholders are repeatedly confronted with the embarrassment and disruption that result cancellations bring.

Causes Behind the Trend:

1. Weak Examination Security : Despite efforts to safeguard question papers, leaks still find their way into the public domain.

2. High Pressure for Success : Parents, schools, and students often place enormous pressure on securing high grades, sometimes pushing candidates towards malpractice.

3. Lack of Strict Supervision : In some centers, invigilators and officials fail to enforce examination regulations firmly.

4. Commercialization of Education :  Some schools prioritize reputation and rankings over integrity, encouraging shortcuts to ensure their students perform well.

Impact on Students and Families:

Emotional Trauma: Affected candidates experience disappointment, shame, and a sense of injustice.

Educational Disruption: Cancellation of results delays the academic progression of many hardworking students.

Financial Strain: Families often spend years investing in their children’s education only to face setbacks through no fault of their own.

Erosion of Confidence: Constant cancellations cast doubt on the credibility of the examination system itself.

Finding a Way Forward:

To break this perennial cycle, all stakeholders must accept responsibility:

WAEC and MoE: Strengthen exam security through technology, including digital encryption of exam papers and real-time monitoring systems.

Schools: Shift focus from mere results to holistic education : teaching integrity, critical thinking, and real competence.

Parents: Encourage hard work and discipline instead of fueling unhealthy competition and shortcuts.

Students: Understand that true success is built on effort and honesty, not malpractice.

Conclusion:

The cancellation of BECE results should not be an annual headline. Ghana must rise above the cycle of malpractice and results annulment to protect the integrity of its education system. When students are allowed to earn their success honestly, the future of the nation becomes brighter. The “perennial problem” of results cancellation must give way to a perennial culture of discipline, fairness, and excellence.

KETASO is Teaching Ghana a lesson in excellence.

It is about time we studied KETASCO. What kind of magic are they doing that others cannot? From NSMQ to modelling practicals, they keep breaking boundaries. Is it better teachers, smarter students, or just discipline? Other schools must wake up because KETASCO is rewriting the story of excellence in Ghana. If they can do it, why not the rest?

Money Palava

 Greed for Money in Ghana , Our Bane. 

In Ghana today, one of the silent killers of progress is not poverty itself, but the unquenchable greed for money. This dangerous appetite has crept into our politics, business, churches, workplaces, and even family life ,leaving a trail of broken trust, underdevelopment, and moral decay.

From inflated contracts to “chop-chop” in public service, from pastors who fleece their congregations to businessmen who cheat customers, the story is the same  , people chasing money at all costs, even if it means selling integrity for a few coins. Sadly, this greed has eaten deep into our national fabric, making corruption seem normal and honesty seem foolish.

Greed blinds us. It makes leaders forget the people they swore to serve. It makes traders cheat customers with fake goods. It makes workers abandon their duties for side deals. It even makes some youths turn to scams instead of hard work. And while a few get rich overnight, the majority sink deeper into hardship.

If Ghana is to rise, we must confront this greed head-on. We must learn that true wealth is not in the size of our bank accounts but in the value we create, the honesty we uphold, and the legacy we leave behind.

The time has come for every Ghanaian from the flagstaff house to the market square  to choose integrity over ill-gotten riches. Let us reject the “quick money” mentality and embrace hard work, innovation, and service.

For if we continue to feed the monster of greed, it will devour our future. But if we starve it, Ghana will breathe again.

AiNetworks – Inspiring a Better Ghana

In Deep Mourning : A Tragic Helicopter Crash and the Road Ahead for Ghana

 

On August 6, 2025, a military Z-9 helicopter carrying eight officials including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed crashed in the forested Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. All on board tragically perished.

This national calamity has plunged Ghana into grief. President Mahama has declared a three-day period of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast. Local communities, religious bodies including Catholic bishops—and professional organizations have voiced solidarity, mourning the loss of patriots who served the nation.

Lessons for Government: Turning Tragedy into Transformation

1. Launch a transparent, independent investigation

Leading aviation experts have called for a probe by an Independent Accident Investigation Board, not just internal military review, to ensure credibility and alignment with ICAO regulations. Civil society and traditional leaders echo this call, urging full accountability and lessons learned.

2. Strengthen aviation safety protocols and equipment

Prompt recovery of the helicopter’s black box marks an important step. The government should reinforce maintenance checks, pilot training, and weather safety practices especially considering previous incidents like the March 2024 crash in the Western Region.

3. Invest in robust forensic and investigative capacity

This tragedy demands more than victim identification; it calls for deep forensic analysis from fire reconstruction to technical examination. A multi-disciplinary team of forensic experts must be mobilized.

4. Honor the legacies through continued action

The fallen were en route to an anti-illegal mining mission a cause they championed. Ghana must not falter in strengthening environmental enforcement and continuing their vision.

5. Provide healing support for bereaved families and communities

Enhanced counseling, community vigils, and pastoral support as seen in the Volta Region’s planned vigil are needed for communal healing.

A Call to Unity and Action

This disaster is not only a loss of lives , it’s a call for stronger systems, transparent governance, and united resolve. If Ghana responds with integrity and purpose, this tragedy may well forge a safer, more resilient path forward.

Parenting Challenges in Modern Ghana : Are We Losing Control?

Parenting has never been easy, but in today's fast-changing Ghanaian society, it's becoming even more complicated. From the influence of social media to economic hardship, parents are facing enormous challenges in raising disciplined, focused, and responsible children. Are we, as a nation, beginning to lose grip on the values that once shaped strong families?

1. The Pressure of Modern Living

Many parents now juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet. This leaves little time to guide children or monitor their behavior. In the absence of parental presence, TV, smartphones, and social media often take over, teaching children things that may not align with our cultural or moral values.

2. The Influence of Western Culture

From the way children dress to the music they listen to, there's no denying the strong influence of foreign cultures. While some exposure can be positive, many children today imitate lifestyles that promote disrespect, materialism, and rebellion, often at odds with Ghanaian values of respect, humility, and hard work.

3. Discipline Without Abuse : A Lost Balance

Some parents still cling to the old methods of strict discipline, while others fear using any form of correction at all. This imbalance creates confusion for children. We must redefine discipline, not as abuse, but as loving correction and consistent boundaries.

4. Schools and Churches Can’t Do It Alone

It’s common to hear parents say, “The teacher or pastor will correct them.” But the primary responsibility lies with the home. Teachers and religious leaders are only meant to support,not replace,parents in the moral upbringing of a child.

5. What Can We Do?

Spend quality time with your children, no matter how busy you are.

Monitor their media consumption and online activity.

Teach by example: children often do what we do, not what we say.

Seek support from parenting groups, churches, and schools when needed.

Conclusion:

The future of Ghana lies in the hands of today’s children, and parenting is the foundation. We must rise to the challenge, adapt to the times, and return to the principles that build strong, value-driven families. Ghana needs more intentional parents, starting with you and me.

By Emmanuel Abanti

Mahama Care vs NHIS : Is Ghana rethinking of health financing or just reinventing the wheel?

Ghana stands once again at a critical crossroads in its healthcare journey. With the recent unveiling of MahamaCare, the political debate is intensifying: Are we witnessing a bold new vision for health financing, or merely an attempt to repackage the old under a new label?

Let’s step back and take a deeper look.

The NHIS Dream : A Promise in Decline?

When the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was launched in 2003, it was hailed globally as a revolutionary step for a developing country. It aimed to replace the notorious “cash and carry” system, ensuring that every Ghanaian—rich or poor—had access to essential healthcare.

And for a while, it worked.

But today, many believe NHIS is on life support. Delayed reimbursements, expired medicines, poor service delivery, and loss of public trust have plagued the scheme. Instead of being the backbone of equitable health access, NHIS has become a shadow of its promise.

 Enter MahamaCare :Vision or Vintage?

Former President John Dramani Mahama has proposed a new system—MahamaCare—to restructure Ghana’s healthcare financing, strengthen primary health delivery, and reduce the financial burden on citizens.

From what has been revealed so far, MahamaCare seeks to:

Offer free primary healthcare to all Ghanaians.

Expand community-level health services.

Emphasize preventive healthcare over curative care.

Reform financing and reduce out-of-pocket payments.

At face value, it’s visionary. But critics argue: Isn’t this what NHIS was supposed to do in the first place?

 So, What’s Really Changing?

The heart of the debate is not just about what is being proposed, but how it will be implemented.

If MahamaCare is just a name change without structural reform, then we are indeed reinventing the wheel. But if it brings:

Better technology and data systems,

Transparent funding mechanisms,

Sustainable financing models,

A workforce overhaul,

then maybe, just maybe, this could be a necessary evolution of NHIS, not a reinvention, but a resurrection.

The Bigger Question: Can Ghana Sustain It?

Healthcare reform isn’t just about intentions. It’s about money, political will, and systems. With Ghana’s economic challenges, ballooning debt, and limited fiscal space, the question must be asked: Can we truly afford MahamaCare—or is this another political promise without a price tag?

What We Need As a Nation

1. A national health financing dialogue that cuts across party lines.

2. An audit and overhaul of the NHIS—not its burial.

3. Policy continuity, not political gimmicks.

4. A citizen-focused health system, not politician-focused branding.

Final Thoughts

Whether MahamaCare turns out to be a revolution or a remix, the health of Ghanaians should not be a political football. Ghana doesn’t need more slogans—we need systems that work.

Let’s hold our leaders accountable not just for what they promise, but how they plan to deliver it.

Is MahamaCare the future? Or are we chasing the shadow of a wheel we’ve already invented?

Let the people decide, but let the truth lead. 

By Emmanuel Abanti