By Collins Sarkodieh 
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in the Ashanti Region has issued a stern ultimatum to local authorities regarding the detention of a teacher at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School.
The association warns that if the teacher, who serves as a hostel caretaker, is not released from police custody by Wednesday, they will initiate a boycott of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in the district.
This standoff follows an alleged altercation between the teacher and a final-year student. GNAT leadership, led by Regional Secretary D.K. Atakora, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the handling of the case, arguing that the teacher’s continued detention violates due process.
The association has formally requested that the Atwima Mponua Police Command grant immediate bail to the detained educator. Should the authorities fail to comply by the specified deadline, the union intends to direct all teachers in the district to abandon their duties, which would significantly disrupt the WASSCE proceedings for students currently writing their final papers.
Beyond the boycott threat, GNAT is planning protest actions to voice their frustration. Members have been advised to wear red armbands and participate in protest marches to demand greater protection for educators facing such disputes.
GNAT maintains that swift intervention by both the Ghana Education Service and local police is essential to prevent the situation from escalating. They argue that resolving the dispute through legal bail is a necessary step toward restoring normalcy at the school.
With the WASSCE currently underway, all eyes are on the Atwima Mponua District to see if a peaceful resolution will be reached. Ensuring that the academic calendar remains uninterrupted is a major concern for both parents and educational stakeholders.
The association reiterated its commitment to the teaching profession but insisted that they will not tolerate the mistreatment of their colleagues. The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in maintaining school safety.
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Source: Ghana News