The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government, insisting on the prosecution of students who assaulted a teacher at Kade Senior High Technical School and seeking compensation for the victim.
The association warns that failure to respond will result in a nationwide sit-down strike.
During a press conference on December 10, NAGRAT’s Eastern Regional Chairman, Awoonor-Yevu Godwin, characterised the assault as barbaric and unacceptable. A viral video that has been circulating online depicts a group of students attacking the teacher as he was returning home.
NAGRAT’s preliminary findings indicate that the teacher was enforcing school rules when he became the target of the students.
The union reported that teachers at Kade SHTS had to act swiftly to avert a retaliatory attack, noting that tensions among staff remain elevated.
The association highlighted that this incident is indicative of a rising trend of violence against teachers in Ghana.
It referenced several incidents in recent years, including the stabbing of teachers at Takoradi Technical Institute and Christian Methodist Senior High School in 2025, an attack on a teacher at Asuoso SHS in 2024, and assaults at Three Town SHS and the Nungua Cluster of Schools in 2021.
NAGRAT condemned the escalating attacks, emphasising that teachers are vital to national development and should not have to work under threats, intimidation, or violence. The association asserted that the safety and dignity of teachers are non-negotiable.
NAGRAT urged the Inspector-General of Police to promptly arrest and prosecute all students identified in the Kade SHTS video. It also called for fair compensation for the assaulted teacher.
The union cautioned that should the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Education Service neglect to take action within 14 working days, teachers nationwide may cease their services, a decision that could jeopardise the 2026 academic calendar.
“The patience of teachers has reached its limit,” the association stated.
NAGRAT also called upon the Ministry of Education, GES, traditional authorities, and security agencies to enhance safety protocols in schools. It advocated for the establishment of a risk allowance for teachers, pointing to the escalating threats linked to their profession.
The association urged the media to persist in bringing attention to teacher safety concerns and to hold authorities responsible.
NAGRAT characterised the assault on the Kade SHTS teacher as a national disgrace that must never occur again and reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the rights and welfare of educators. It also praised the Director General of GES for promptly initiating investigations.
In the meantime, GES has condemned the attack as “unacceptable, unlawful, and a direct affront to the dignity of the teaching profession,” asserting that the offenders will face suitable penalties in accordance with national laws and GES regulations.
