Professor Kenneth A. Attafuah, an International Human Rights Consultant has stressed the need for human rights education in secondary schools to instil the cardinal values of integrity, discipline, self-respect and democratic practice among students.
He noted that the internalisation of these values would serve as important inhibitors against corruption, indiscipline and abuse of power that cumulatively would result in untold human rights abuses and acts of administrative injustices.
Professor Attafuah made the call when delivering a lecture on the theme "Fifty Years of Secondary Education in Ghana: Reflections from Criminology and Human Rights Perspectives," in Accra.
The lecture formed part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Saint Peter's Secondary School, Nkwatia-Kwahu.
Prof. Attafuah who is also a Criminologist and Private Legal Practitioner said " Our secondary schools have not been equipped over the years to deliver human rights education and to equip us with the requisite qualities for respecting, promoting and defending human rights."
He pointed out that a useful way to address the problems of student's perennial suspicion of authorities was to include students in school governance through election to School Boards of Governance or on the Parent-Teacher- Associations (PTA).
Prof. Attafuah said a basic introduction to Principles of Administrative Justice should be made a compulsory component of teacher education curriculum.
" I also propose that newly-elected Students Representatives Council (SRC) in all Secondary Schools should undergo formal training in principles and practice of good governance, administrative justice human rights and civility in the school management prior to assuming office."
Prof. Attafuah called on Government and educational policy makers to give due recognition to the essential role of secondary education in shaping the future of the country.
He noted that such recognition to secondary education could prevent and combat crime as well as creating a more just and humane society to preserve and strengthen democracy in Ghana.
"After all effective societies are built by active and influential citizens," he added.