Teacher safety and positive discipline in Ghanaian schools took centre stage on Tuesday when the Volta and Oti regional branches of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) held their delegates’ conference in Ho.

The gathering brought together delegates, directors of education, stakeholders, and union members to deliberate on challenges confronting teachers.

The Regional NAGRAT Conference was on the theme: “Ensuring Teacher Safety and Promoting Positive Discipline in Ghanaian Schools – The Role of Stakeholders.”

Mr. David Agbe Gellie, Chairman of NAGRAT, Volta/Oti said the choice of the theme was deliberate and relevant, given rising reports of indiscipline and hostility towards teachers.

“One growing concern in pre-tertiary education is the alarming rate of indiscipline among students. Increasingly, teachers are being attacked with impunity, putting their lives at risk and, in some cases, leaving them with life-threatening injuries,” he said.

The outgoing chairman expressed gratitude to members, predecessors and national executives for their support during his tenure, noting that the association had made progress despite hurdles.

He highlighted the establishment of a modern secretariat, a borehole for potable water, and a membership base between 3,500 and 4,000 as significant milestones.

Mr. Gellie, however, admitted that challenges remained, including protracted land litigation in Ho and the collapse of a regional welfare scheme launched in 2019.

“We have made some considerable progress in revising this welfare plan, and it is my earnest hope that it will be fully operationalized before I leave office,” he said.

He urged the incoming officers to steer the association forward with unity and dignity, pledging his full support. “Congratulations to all aspirants for conducting themselves with honour. May the best candidates emerge victorious,” he added.

Representing the NAGRAT President, Mr. Jacob Anaba, Vice President of the Association, called for stronger legal protection for teachers. “No teacher should fear for his or her life while performing duties. The Ministry of Education and Parliament must enact and enforce stronger protections,” he said.

He appealed to the Ghana Education Service to institute clear protocols to respond swiftly to threats against teachers and urged parents to see educators as allies rather than adversaries.

“Discipline is essential, but it must be constructive, fair and guided by empathy,” Mr. Anaba noted, explaining that positive discipline is not about punishment but about respect, responsibility, and mutual understanding in the classroom.

The Vice President further urged school leaders, traditional authorities, security services, and civil society to join hands with teachers in building safe and respectable learning environments.

“Our teachers deserve protection, respect and dignity. Our students deserve proper guidance. We must act collectively,” he stressed.

Mr. Francis Agbemadi, Volta Regional Director of Education, in a keynote address, said teacher safety extended beyond physical protection to psychological well-being and professional dignity.

“Teachers cannot give their best when they feel threatened or disrespected,” he said.

He cited alarming rates of verbal abuse, physical assault, and intimidation against teachers, warning that such incidents undermined education quality.

“How can we ensure quality education when the very custodians of knowledge are unsafe in their classrooms?” he questioned.

Mr. Agbemadi also stressed the link between discipline and safety, calling for a shift from punitive methods to constructive approaches. “Positive discipline guides students’ behaviour with empathy and responsibility rather than fear and humiliation,” he explained.

Mrs. Irene Jacquelinda Attabra, Oti Regional Director of Education, who chaired the occasion, encouraged teachers to persevere with love and unity. “Let love lead, no matter the storm in our workplaces,” she urged.

She congratulated Mr. Gellie for his eight years of service and encouraged the newly elected officers to consolidate the gains and strive for greater achievements.

Delegates also reflected on NAGRAT’s 25-year history of advocacy for teachers’ welfare, recognizing achievements such as the establishment of regional offices and welfare schemes while acknowledging the need for stronger membership drives and effective zonal structures.

At the end of the conference, Stakeholder’s left with a renewed call to strengthen teacher safety, enforce constructive discipline, and make Ghanaian classrooms safe and productive spaces for both teachers and learners.