The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ghana Police Service, demanding prosecution of a student who stabbed a teacher in the left eye at Asuoso Senior High School in Offinso. GNAT General Secretary Thomas Musah Tanko warned of possible nationwide teacher protests if no decisive action is taken within three days.
The incident occurred on November 8, 2024, when a teacher asked a loitering student to return to the classroom. The student responded by stabbing the teacher, causing him to lose his left eye permanently. Despite the severity of the assault, no significant action has been taken by authorities, sparking outrage among teachers.
“The teacher has lost his left eye, meaning that for the rest of his life, he will have to live with only one eye. His medical bills, and all those things, who will take care of it?” Tanko questioned in an interview.
GNAT is demanding that the student be prosecuted and adequate compensation provided to the injured teacher. Tanko emphasized the association’s frustration, stating, “We will not sit back and allow ourselves to be treated like animals. Teachers are not animals. This matter is unacceptable, and we shall react in a way that will shock the nation if it is not addressed.”
The association has also called on regional directors and other stakeholders to take the issue seriously, warning that GNAT is closely monitoring the situation at the national level. Tanko added, “Duty bearers will have themselves to blame if we don’t hear anything by next week. The student must be brought to book, and the teacher must be compensated. We will not let this matter rest.”