Discrimination against Rastafarian students calls for national policy on school rules

It has become necessary for Ghana to adopt a clear global policy to standardize high school rules and regulations following the rejection of Rastafarian students by the Achimota school.

This is according to the children’s rights organization, Child’s Rights International (CRI).

CRI therefore challenges the Ghana Education Service (GES) to develop such a policy to end issues of this nature in the future.

The organization believes that this decision will ensure that the principles of child protection are properly incorporated into the drafting of rules and regulations in schools.

IRC Executive Director Bright Kweku Appiah said the GES currently has no policy on how schools should develop their rules and regulations, some of which existed before the welfare principles of the law were adopted. about children 560.

“Most of the rules and regulations aim to protect the prestige and integrity of schools rather than the well-being of the child.

So we have a system where the school examines the physical attributes of the child and their ability to comply with school rules rather than protecting and maintaining the dignity of the children in their care, ”he said. -he adds.

Mr. Appiah said the school system in our current dispensation should be built on the principle of welfare, not the justice system. The principled intentions of the school, he said, must reflect their willingness, without exception, to always act in the best interests of the children.

“Where there is a character of deformation in a child, a collective agenda must be developed for the sole purpose of correcting and reforming that child. Otherwise, a child should be applauded and rewarded for showing good character and not determining the discipline or social behavior of the child based on his outward appearance, ”he said.

He said the ongoing case regarding Achimota School’s refusal to admit two boys with dreadlocks is unfortunate, indicating that stakeholders, including students, are more concerned with the prestige of the school than by the dignity and interest of the children involved.

He therefore urged all stakeholders to consider the development of a collective agreement that truly reflects the principle of well-being and the importance it places on respecting the best interests of children above all in all cases. involving.

— Daily guide