The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has raised serious concerns about rising violence, drug abuse and moral decay in Ghana’s educational institutions.
He made the remarks on Wednesday at the 8th Annual Consultation on Education held at the Ramseyer Training Centre, Abetifi‑Kwahu, under the theme “Building on the Foundation Already Laid: Our Mission to Transform Society.”
Addressing heads of institutions and education directors, the Moderator described the situation as an “unprecedented crisis of character” among young people. Reports reaching the General Assembly Office, he said, reveal disturbing trends: widespread indiscipline, sports betting and gambling, occultism, school riots, physical violence, and the growing use of substances such as marijuana, shisha, tramadol and other harmful drugs.
He lamented that some students now carry offensive weapons—including knives and makeshift tools—into classrooms and hostels, creating atmospheres of fear rather than learning. “There is a spiritual and social warfare for the souls of our children,” he warned. “We cannot remain passive.”
The Moderator reminded participants that Presbyterian schools were founded on discipline, ethical conduct and spiritual devotion. He urged heads of institutions to reclaim their campuses as mission fields, insisting that chaplaincies, counseling units and spiritual structures must be strengthened to confront the rising tide of vice.
“Our schools must dispel the darkness of betting, occultism, drug abuse and violence,” he said. “We must arise and take back our campuses.”
He encouraged educators to innovate, enforce discipline with compassion, and cultivate Christlike character in students. “The challenges are terrifying,” he admitted, “but the One who called us is faithful. His grace is greater than the vices on our campuses.”
By Jerome Otchere
