GNAT Urges Legal Action Against Student Who Stabbed Teacher in the Eye

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has given the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ghana Police Service a three-day deadline to take action against a student who allegedly stabbed a teacher in the left eye at Asuoso Senior High School in Offinso. If the authorities fail to take swift action, GNAT has warned that teachers may withdraw their services as early as next week.

In an exclusive interview with 3news’ Daniel Opoku, GNAT’s General Secretary, Thomas Musah Tanko, expressed his outrage over the situation. He made it clear that teachers would not hesitate to take a strong stand if the responsible authorities do not act quickly. Tanko stated that the incident, which occurred on November 8, was deeply troubling and must be addressed promptly.

According to Tanko, the incident took place after a teacher instructed a student who had been loitering on the school grounds to enter the classroom. The student, however, allegedly attacked the teacher and stabbed him in the left eye. As a result of the attack, the teacher lost his eye and is now permanently injured. Tanko explained that the teacher would have to live the rest of his life with one eye, which would bring significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens.

Despite the seriousness of the incident, Tanko pointed out that neither the GES nor the police had yet taken any visible action. The delay in response has angered GNAT, which is now calling for immediate and decisive action. Tanko emphasized that the teacher’s medical expenses and the long-term impact of the injury are concerns that must be addressed by the authorities. “The teacher has lost his left eye, meaning he will live the rest of his life with only one eye. Who will cover his medical bills?” he asked.

Tanko further stressed that the situation was unacceptable and that GNAT would not allow teachers to be treated with disrespect. He warned that if the authorities do not act by next week, GNAT would be forced to take action. “We will not sit back and allow ourselves to be treated like animals. This is unacceptable, and we will respond in a way that will shock the nation,” he said. Tanko’s warning was clear: the situation must not be allowed to continue without repercussions.

GNAT is also calling for appropriate compensation for the injured teacher. Tanko stated that the teacher should receive whatever compensation is due to him for his injury, including medical expenses and any other support that may be needed as he recovers. Tanko also demanded that the student involved in the attack be held accountable for his actions. “The student must be brought to book, and anything that must be done to compensate the teacher must be done,” he declared.

The GNAT General Secretary emphasized the importance of ensuring that the teacher’s rights are respected and that justice is served. He warned the regional education directors and other authorities that GNAT is closely monitoring the situation at the national level. “We are following this matter at the national level, and the regional directors should be mindful that they will be held responsible for any failure to address this issue,” he said.

Tanko’s strong words reflect the growing frustration among teachers who feel their safety and well-being are not being adequately protected by the authorities. He emphasized that teachers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and incidents like this must not be allowed to go unchecked. The failure to act could result in more serious consequences, and GNAT is prepared to take whatever steps necessary to ensure that the rights of teachers are upheld.

The situation has sparked widespread concern, and many are calling for greater protection for teachers in schools. Teachers’ safety and the need for a prompt response to incidents of violence in schools have become key issues that need urgent attention. GNAT’s stance on the matter reflects the growing frustration with the current state of affairs and the need for more effective measures to protect teachers from harm.

GNAT has given a clear ultimatum to the Ghana Education Service and the Ghana Police Service to take swift action against the student responsible for the attack. If the authorities fail to respond appropriately, GNAT has warned that teachers may take drastic action, including withdrawing their services. The association is also calling for appropriate compensation for the injured teacher and for the student involved to face justice. The situation has raised important questions about the safety of teachers in schools and the need for stronger protective measures.