Crime market signals in faculties will aggravate if preventive techniques aren’t modernised —Kofi Tonto – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefFebruary 23, 20263 Mins read11
Crime market signals in faculties will aggravate if preventive techniques aren’t modernised —Kofi Tonto – Life Pulse Daily
Introduction
The safety and discipline of students in Ghanaian secondary schools have become pressing national concerns. Recent violent incidents during school sports events have exposed deep flaws in current prevention and disciplinary approaches. Kofi Tonto, a political aide to Dr. Bawumia, has warned that without modernizing prevention strategies, student crime and hooliganism will only intensify. This article explores the scope of the problem, the limitations of current measures, and the urgent need for updated, professional approaches to student safety and discipline.
Key Points
- Violent incidents among senior high school students in Ghana are on the rise, particularly during school sports events.
- Traditional disciplinary measures and teacher-led interventions are no longer sufficient to address modern student crime.
- Exposure to international media and social media is influencing student behavior, sometimes in harmful ways.
- Professional training, crowd management, and intelligence-led prevention are urgently needed.
- Institutional modernization must keep pace with the sophistication of youth culture and technology.
Background
In recent months, Ghana has witnessed a troubling escalation in student violence. During the Regional Super Zonal Sports Competition in February 2026, the Ghana Education Service (GES) confirmed a stabbing and an alleged gang rape involving students from different senior high schools in the Eastern Region. In response, GES banned three schools from all sports, debates, and entertainment activities for two years and imposed fines.
More recently, a District Schools Athletics Games in Agona Swedru turned violent, resulting in a student being hospitalized after being attacked with stones and sticks. These incidents, widely shared on social media, have sparked national outrage and highlighted the inadequacy of current prevention measures.
Analysis
Why Current Approaches Are Failing
Kofi Tonto argues that as Ghanaian youth increasingly access sophisticated technology and international media, crime will also advance. He warns that traditional disciplinary techniques—such as relying on teacher-to-student ratios—are no longer effective. Without modernizing prevention strategies, violent incidents will continue to escalate.
The Role of Social Media and Global Influences
Exposure to international crime films and social media content can shape young people’s behavior, sometimes in dangerous ways. Tonto references Ali Mazrui’s concept of “Westernization without real modernization,” warning that adopting new technologies and cultural influences without building institutional capacity to manage their effects is a recipe for increased crime.
The Need for Professional Intervention
Tonto emphasizes the importance of bringing in professionally trained personnel—such as police, NADMO officials, and security staff—to manage crowds and prevent violence. He argues that current GES regulations are not modern enough to address the scale and sophistication of today’s student violence.
Practical Advice
For School Administrators
- Review and update school safety policies to reflect current realities.
- Invest in professional training for staff in crowd management and conflict resolution.
- Collaborate with local law enforcement and emergency services for rapid response capabilities.
For Policymakers
- Modernize GES regulations to include intelligence-led prevention and professional oversight.
- Increase funding for school security infrastructure and personnel.
- Promote digital literacy programs to help students critically assess online content.
For Parents and Communities
- Engage in open dialogues with children about the influence of social media and global media.
- Support school initiatives aimed at violence prevention and student well-being.
- Report suspicious or concerning behavior to school authorities promptly.
FAQ
What recent incidents have highlighted the problem of student violence in Ghana?
Recent violent incidents include a stabbing and alleged gang rape during a regional sports competition, and a student being hospitalized after being attacked with stones and sticks at a district athletics event.
Why are traditional disciplinary measures no longer effective?
Traditional measures, such as relying on teacher-to-student ratios, do not address the sophistication and scale of modern student crime, which is influenced by global media and technology.
What solutions does Kofi Tonto propose?
Tonto advocates for modernizing prevention strategies, bringing in professionally trained personnel, and updating GES regulations to better manage student violence.
How can schools and communities work together to prevent violence?
Schools can update safety policies and collaborate with law enforcement, while communities can support prevention initiatives and foster open communication with students.
Conclusion
The rise in student violence in Ghanaian schools is a clear signal that current prevention and disciplinary approaches are outdated. Without modernizing strategies to match the sophistication of today’s youth culture and technology, incidents of crime and hooliganism will only worsen. It is imperative for school administrators, policymakers, and communities to work together to implement professional, intelligence-led prevention measures and ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
Sources
- Life Pulse Daily. “Crime market signals in faculties will aggravate if preventive techniques aren’t modernised —Kofi Tonto.” Published February 23, 2026.
- Ghana Education Service official statements on recent incidents.
- Multimedia Group Limited disclaimer on reader contributions.
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