GNAT Threatens WASSCE Boycott Over Detention of Nyinahin Catholic SHS Teacher

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in the Ashanti Region has warned that it may boycott today’s English Language paper of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and embark on protest actions if a teacher at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School is not granted bail.

The teacher, Eric Buernortey Apaflo, who also serves as a hostel caretaker at the school, has been in police custody following an incident involving a final-year female student.

Speaking to journalists at the Nyinahin Police Station, GNAT officials expressed concern over the continued detention of their colleague, insisting that the matter should be thoroughly investigated and handled fairly.

One GNAT representative stated, “The teacher has done nothing wrong, but we have heard an order from above has been authorized that he is not granted bail instead of them to come down and investigate the matter thoroughly.”

The Association called on the police and relevant authorities to intervene immediately and ensure that due process is followed.

GNAT further warned that failure to grant the teacher bail could trigger a boycott of the ongoing WASSCE examinations by teachers in Nyinahin Catholic SHS and across the Atwima Mponua District.

“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, nobody should be blamed,” a representative cautioned.

The Association also indicated that teachers may resort to wearing red armbands and staging protest marches if their concerns remain unaddressed.

Defending their position, another GNAT official remarked, “Once it has happened to someone, it can happen to everybody tomorrow. Touch one, touch all. So, if they don’t release the teacher, then the students at Nyinahin will not write the WASSCE. Our investigations have revealed the student is remorseful and begging for forgiveness.”

GNAT emphasized its commitment to maintaining discipline in schools while safeguarding the rights and welfare of teachers. The Association urged authorities to act swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating further.

By: Radio1/ Paulina Armah.