The Ministry of Education notes with grave concern some incidents involving assaults on teachers by students and related acts of violence recorded in some schools across the country.
The Ministry takes strong exception to these developments and is resolved to nip this in the bud.
Any individual, including students, who assaults a teacher in the lawful performance of their professional duties will face severe consequences in accordance with the laws of Ghana.
The Ministry has, in this regard, advocated and supported action against all perpetrators of assault against teachers that has come to its attention.
In the recent assault case at Kade Senior High Technical School (Kade SHTS), all the perpetrators were arrested and arraigned before the Kade District Court for assaulting a tutor. The accused persons pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy and assault. They have been convicted and fined.
The Ministry further condemns the misconduct recorded during the Super Zonal Sports Competition in the Eastern Region, involving reported stabbing and an alleged sexual assault. The perpetrators have been arrested and since been in police custody, assisting with investigations. The victims are receiving medical and psychosocial support from the appropriate authorities.
At the West Africa Senior High School, two students and one accomplice have been arraigned before the Adenta Circuit Court in connection with the assault of a teacher.
The accused persons have been remanded into police custody for six weeks pending further court proceedings.
At the 54th Delegates Conference of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama, narrated the incident of an assault on a teacher during examinations and how it ended, and reaffirmed that no attack on teachers will be tolerated under any circumstance.
He reiterated the resolve of the government to protect teachers and take action against those who assault them.
The Ministry aligns fully with President John Dramani Mahama’s position on the attack on teachers.
The Ministry will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to ensure justice is served and to prevent further incidents.
The Ministry is not just condemning the violent behaviours but is also taking steps to demand justice for victims through the court system.