Western Regional NCCE Links School Discipline to Constitutional Duties at Archbishop Porter Girls' SHS

At Archbishop Porter Girls' Senior High School, the student handbook became a practical guide to understanding Ghana's Constitution as the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) challenged learners to see school discipline as preparation for responsible citizenship.

Addressing students, including newly admitted first-year students, Deputy Western Regional Director of NCCE, Mr. Lan Kwame Tugbenu, explained that rules enable communities and institutions to function fairly and peacefully. He likened the school's student handbook to a constitution, noting that both establish expectations for conduct and responsibilities.

Mr. Tugbenu urged learners to treat compliance with school regulations as an opportunity to practise the values contained in the 1992 Constitution. Referring to Article 41, which outlines citizens' duties, he explained that students also have responsibilities under the school's code of conduct.

To illustrate the connection, he discussed Article 17, which guarantees equality before the law, alongside Section 2.19 of the school's Students' Code of Conduct. The provision prohibits students from compelling others to participate in religious practices or preventing them from observing their own beliefs. He encouraged learners to respect differences and avoid conduct that infringes upon the rights of classmates.

Turning to public property, Mr. Tugbenu cited Regulation 13, which requires students to care for school property. He compared this obligation with Article 41(f), which calls on citizens to protect public property and oppose its misuse or waste.

Beyond constitutional education, the NCCE official addressed personal security, particularly among day students. He cautioned them against accepting lifts from unfamiliar drivers after school and advised them to travel only to destinations authorised by their exeat.

Online conduct also featured in his message. Mr. Tugbenu urged students to consider the consequences of what they publish on the internet, reminding them that digital content can affect their future reputation and opportunities.

The engagement connected constitutional principles with familiar school experiences, encouraging learners to practise respect, responsibility and safety in their daily lives. For the newly admitted students, it offered an introduction to how everyday decisions at school can help shape habits of responsible citizenship.