The Role of Ghana Armed Forces Code of Discipline in Shaping Conduct and Academic Outcomes in the Six Garrison Basic Schools in Tamale, Ghana

Until recently, discipline was critical in educational institutions. However, with the various educational reforms in Ghana, emphasizing the rights of the student and outlawing corporal punishment, acts of indiscipline have increased in the schools. The consequences of indiscipline are many; it affects academic performance, demoralises teachers, and creates an unsafe school environment. As indiscipline is a significant problem in many public schools, the Ghana Armed Forces Code of Discipline applied in the Six Garrison Basic Schools presents a unique case, and is used as a case study in this study. The study was conducted in the Six Garrison Basic Schools at Kamina and Bawah barracks in Tamale. Respondents were drawn from the neighbouring communities from which most of the students come. The study used interviews, focus group discussions, and observations as the key data collection tools. The study found that students in these schools exhibited signs of discipline characteristic of the Ghana Armed Forces. The study found that through imitation, observation, and enforcement, students have imbibed the Ghana Armed Forces Code of Discipline. The study found that students arrive at school on time, stay in class, and complete their assignments both in and out of class. The study further found that respect for teachers and authority is highly encouraged, and the school environment is safer for both teachers and students to engage in academic work. The study, however, found that the implementation of the Ghana Armed Forces Code of Discipline in the Six Garrison Basic Schools was affected by institutional differences because the schools are under the Ghana Education Service, while the Armed Forces are under the Ministry of Defence. While the Ghana Armed Forces would like to apply their code of discipline in these schools fully, they are restricted by the Ghana Education Service. Despite this seeming restriction, the Ghana Armed Forces Code of Discipline is imbued with both teachers’ and students’ values. The study recommends replicating this practice in public schools in Ghana.