The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ghana Police Service, demanding swift action to prosecute a student who allegedly stabbed a teacher in the left eye at Asuoso Senior High School in Offinso. GNAT has given the authorities three days to take action, or face potential industrial unrest from the teaching community.
In an exclusive interview with 3news’ Daniel Opoku, GNAT’s General Secretary, Thomas Musah Tanko, expressed deep outrage over the incident. He revealed that on November 8, he was informed of the disturbing attack, which occurred when a teacher asked a student loitering around the school premises to enter the classroom. In response, the student violently assaulted the teacher, stabbing him in the left eye.
The teacher, whose identity has not been disclosed, has since lost his left eye and faces the prospect of lifelong impairment. Despite the severity of the attack, neither the Ghana Education Service nor the police have taken decisive action, prompting GNAT to issue its warning.
“This teacher has lost his left eye, meaning he will live the rest of his life with only one eye. His medical bills, his future care – who will bear these costs?” Mr. Tanko questioned. The General Secretary emphasized the need for both the GES and the Police to act quickly to resolve the matter and provide the necessary support to the injured teacher.
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Tanko further warned that if there is no positive response from the authorities by next week, GNAT will be forced to take stronger action, including potentially withdrawing their services. He stated, “We will not sit back and allow ourselves to be treated like animals. Teachers are not animals. What has happened is unacceptable, and we will react in a way that will shock the nation.”
In addition to demanding swift justice for the injured teacher, GNAT has called for appropriate compensation for the victim. Mr. Tanko reiterated that the student involved must be held accountable and urged the relevant authorities to ensure the teacher receives any compensation due to him. He also cautioned regional directors within the GES that the matter is being closely monitored at the national level, and any delays in action will have consequences.
“We are watching this case closely. Whatever happens, the duty bearers will have themselves to blame,” Mr. Tanko concluded, signaling that GNAT will continue to fight for the rights and safety of teachers across the country.
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