The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in the Ashanti Region has threatened to boycott the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and embark on a series of protest actions if a teacher currently in police custody is not granted bail.

The teacher, Eric Buernortey Apaflo, who serves as a hostel caretaker at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School in the Atwima Mponua District, was arrested following an incident involving a final-year female student and has remained in detention since.

GNAT has expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding his continued detention, arguing that the matter requires a thorough and impartial investigation.

Speaking to journalists at the Nyinahin Police Station, the GNAT District Chairman questioned the handling of the case and alleged that directives had been issued preventing the teacher from being granted bail.

“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,” he stated.

The Association called on the police and other relevant authorities to intervene immediately by granting the teacher bail and ensuring that due process is followed in the investigation.

GNAT warned that failure to release the teacher could result in a boycott of the WASSCE by teachers in Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School and across the 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 paper, nobody should be blamed,” a representative of the Association said.

The Association further indicated that it is prepared to intensify its actions through demonstrations and symbolic protests, including the wearing of red armbands, if its concerns are not addressed.

“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,” the representative added.

GNAT stressed that while it remains committed to maintaining discipline and professionalism within the education sector, it expects authorities to handle the matter fairly and expeditiously to avoid further tensions.

The Association urged all stakeholders to work towards a resolution that upholds justice, protects the rights of teachers, and prevents disruptions to the ongoing national examinations.

Listen to the teachers in the video attached below: