Tarkwa-Nsuaem Teachers Declare Industrial Action Over Alleged Military Assault on Colleagues
Teachers in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region have declared industrial action over what they describe as the failure of authorities to respond to demands following the alleged assault of three teachers by military personnel at Adiewoso M/A Basic School.
The decision follows a two-week ultimatum earlier issued by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) after the April 30 incident, during which three teachers and a civilian were allegedly assaulted during a military operation linked to illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, in the community.
In a fresh update, the teacher unions say they are dissatisfied with what they describe as the silence and inaction of the relevant authorities regarding their calls for investigations, justice for the affected teachers, and compensation for the victims.
As part of the industrial action, teachers across the municipality will from Tuesday, May 26, wear red armbands and begin a sit-down strike in protest against the alleged attack and what they call the insensitive handling of the matter by authorities.
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According to the unions, a complete withdrawal of teaching and learning services will commence on June 1 if their concerns are not addressed.
The earlier incident reportedly occurred at Adiewoso in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality when military personnel conducting an anti-galamsey operation allegedly assaulted residents, including three teachers of Adiewoso M/A Basic School.
GNAT described the alleged assault as “barbaric and inhumane,” insisting that the affected teachers identified themselves and presented their GNAT identity cards but were still subjected to beatings by the military personnel.
Following the incident, the association called on the Ministries of Defence and Interior, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Education Service to investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible are sanctioned.
Teacher unions maintain that they will continue with their planned actions until concrete steps are taken to address the issue and guarantee the safety and protection of teachers in the line of duty.
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