By Dorothy Frances Ward
Atwima (Ash), June 26, GNA – Nana Antwi Agyei Brempong II, Atwimahene, has called on traditional authorities and other opinion leaders to revive traditional values in their communities to help curb indiscipline among the youth.
The decline in moral standards, according to him, was closely linked to the decline of traditional values that once guided behaviour in society.
Nana Antwi Agyei Brempong, speaking to Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Atwima, near Kumasi, said the African society was built on strong cultural and moral foundations that emphasized respect, discipline and responsibility.
These values, according to him, were not only taught at home, but were reinforced by the entire community and at school, ensuring that, young people grew up with clear moral direction.
He said parents, elders, and community leaders all played active roles in shaping the behaviour of children.
He added that misconduct was quickly corrected, and children were made to understand the consequences of their actions from an early age.
He said “if your teacher should find you misbehaving, you will be dealt with in school the next day“, he said.
Nana Agyei Brempong, said traditional teachings such as proverbs, folktales, and taboos were commonly used to instill discipline.
These methods helped young people learn important life lessons in a way that was both cultural and practical.
Nana Agyei Brempong said the situation had changed significantly in modern times.
He pointed out that influence of technology, social media, and urban lifestyles have weakened the traditional systems that once helped regulated behavior, adding that many young people were now more influenced by external trends than by cultural values.
This he added, had contributed to increasing cases of disrespect for authority, poor behaviour in schools, and involvement in social vices.
He said the weakening of the extended family system had also contributed to the problem adding that, in the past, relatives played an active role in the upbringing of children.
However, today children grow up with limited guidance.
This decline in moral values he said was creating challenges for parents and teachers, who were struggling to maintain discipline.
Reported cases of misconduct and bad behavior of some children in school is the order of the day.
He stressed that traditional values remained relevant in shaping responsible citizens and the society must go back for them.
He emphasized that discipline, respect, and honesty were timeless principles that should not be abandoned, noting that, integrating cultural teachings with contemporary education to build a balanced society was important.
He called on parents to take a more active role in instilling discipline at home, clear rules, proper guidance, and consistent correction could help shape the behaviour of children positively.
School authorities must also strengthen moral and civic education to reinforce discipline among students, while teachers served as role models and ensure that rules were consistently applied.
Nana Agyei Brempong said the revival of traditional beliefs and practices offered a practical solution to the growing issue of indiscipline among the youth.
We have to combine cultural wisdom with modern education to produce a nurtured, disciplined, respectful, and responsible generation, he added.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Knneth Odeng Adade
Writer: Frances Dorothy Ward