The Eastern Regional branch of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has strongly condemned the brutal assault of a teacher at Kade Senior High Technical School (SHTS), warning that teachers across the country may embark on a nationwide sit-down strike if swift action is not taken against the perpetrators.
The victim, Michael Quayson, a teacher at Kade SHTS, was ambushed and violently attacked by eight individuals—comprising current and former students of the school—while returning home on the evening of October 5.
The assault,reportedly stemmed from the teacher’s strict supervision during the examinations which provoked the students.
The incident was reported to the Kade Police, leading to the arrest of one student after a video capturing the assault went viral on social media.
The suspect has since been granted bail while investigations continue.
Addressing a press conference in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional Chairman of NAGRAT, Awoonor-Yevu Godwin, described the attack as “unprovoked, barbaric, and unacceptable,” insisting that the safety of teachers is non-negotiable.
“The safety and dignity of teachers are non-negotiable. It is both a moral and legal obligation of the state, the GES and the Ministry of Education to guarantee the protection of every teacher. No teacher should face physical harm, verbal abuse, or psychological trauma simply for performing their duties,” he said.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to immediately arrest and prosecute all students identified in the viral video, stressing that justice must be swift to restore confidence among teachers nationwide.
NAGRAT has issued a 14-working-day ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to ensure:Arrest and prosecution of all culprits ,Fair compensation for the assaulted teacher.
Failure to meet these demands, the association cautions, may force teachers to embark on a nationwide sit-down strike, a move that could disrupt the 2026 academic calendar.
“The patience of teachers has reached its limit. We will no longer tolerate a system that allows our members to be beaten, insulted, and humiliated without consequence,” Awoonor-Yevu added.
Growing Trend of Attacks on Teachers
NAGRAT expressed deep concern over what it describes as a disturbing rise in violent attacks on teachers in recent years.
The union cited several cases stating that in 2025, a student of Takoradi Technical Institute stabbed a teacher who stopped him from using an unauthorized entry route, also Christian Methodist SHS student stabbed teacher Walter Yesutor Adanunyo during WASSCE for preventing exam malpractice.
NAGRAT also narrated that,in 2024 Ishmael Famous, a teacher at Asuoso SHS, was stabbed in the eye by a student for instructing students to return to class. also in 2021, a final-year student of Three Town SHS stabbed a teacher who intervened to stop him from assaulting a junior student.
The Association added that in 2021, Students at the Nungua Cluster of Schools attacked teacher Moses Onyameasem in another widely condemned incident.
NAGRAT says these cases demonstrate an alarming pattern of violence that threatens the safety and morale of educators nationwide.
The association called on the Ministry of Education, GES, traditional authorities, and security agencies to enhance safety protocols in schools. It also demanded the immediate introduction of a risk allowance for teachers, citing the increasing dangers associated with their work.
The leadership further disclosed that staff of Kade SHTS had to intervene swiftly to prevent teachers from retaliating against the perpetrators following the attack.
NAGRAT May Withdraw from WASSCE Invigilation
The association warned that it may reconsider its participation in WASSCE invigilation if teachers who volunteer continue to face attacks without protection or accountability.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
