The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in the Ashanti Region has threatened to boycott today’s English Language paper of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and embark on protest actions if one of its members, Eric Buernortey Apaflo, is not released from police custody.
Mr Apaflo, a teacher and hostel caretaker at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School in the Atwima Mponua District, was arrested following an alleged altercation involving a final-year female student.
According to GNAT, he has remained in custody since his arrest, a development the association says raises concerns about the handling of the case.
Addressing journalists at the Nyinahin Police Station, GNAT officials insisted the teacher had done nothing wrong and questioned the decision to keep him in detention.
“The teacher has done nothing wrong, but we have heard an order from above has been given that he should not be granted bail instead of the matter being thoroughly investigated,” a GNAT representative said.
The association called on the police and education authorities to intervene immediately, grant the teacher bail and ensure due process is followed.
GNAT warned that if Mr Apaflo is not released, teachers at Nyinahin Catholic SHS and across the district could be directed to boycott the ongoing WASSCE.
“Should the teacher not be granted bail by tomorrow, GNAT Ashanti Region will be compelled to direct teachers of Nyinahin Catholic SHS and all teachers in the district to boycott the ongoing WASSCE examinations. If the students do not write the English Language paper, nobody should be blamed,” a representative stated.
The association further indicated that teachers could escalate their actions by wearing red armbands and organising protest marches.
“Once it has happened to one person, it can happen to anyone tomorrow. Touch one, touch all. If the teacher is not released, then the students at Nyinahin will not write the WASSCE. Our investigations also show that the student is remorseful and has asked for forgiveness,” the official added.
GNAT stressed that while it remains committed to discipline in schools and the welfare of students, it expects authorities to act swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating further.