A coalition of 11 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has petitioned the National Teaching Council (NTC) to investigate the conduct of Eric Buenortey Akpafio, a teacher at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School, following an alleged physical altercation with a female student.
The organisations, which work in the areas of education, child rights, gender, peace and security, and social accountability, are calling for a full professional inquiry into the incident and any possible breaches of professional standards.
The petition follows recent developments in the case, including a statement by the Judicial Service dismissing reports that a magistrate had advised parties to settle the matter amicably. The Judicial Service described such claims as false and inconsistent with official court records.
In a statement dated Ju
ne 12, Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed said a review of proceedings at the Nkawie District Court established that the trial magistrate acted in accordance with the law after prosecutors moved to withdraw the case. The case was subsequently struck out.
The incident attracted widespread public attention after a video circulated on social media showing the teacher and a female student engaged in a physical altercation on the campus of Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School. The matter was brought before the Toase District Court on June 10.
In their petition dated June 15, the CSOs urged the NTC to investigate whether the teacher’s alleged conduct constituted a breach of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020, the National Teachers’ Standards, and other applicable professional and safeguarding obligations.
“We respectfully request the National Teaching Council to investigate and determine professional misconduct through a full professional inquiry into the alleged conduct of the teacher, and determine whether it constitutes a breach of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020, the National Teachers’ Standards, and any applicable professional or safeguarding obligations,” the petition stated.
The group also called on the NTC to assess the teacher’s fitness to practise, particularly regarding ethical conduct, learner protection, professional judgment, and the duty of care required to maintain a safe learning environment.
In addition, the organisations urged the council to impose appropriate sanctions should any professional breaches be established.
“Where professional breaches are established, apply appropriate disciplinary sanctions in accordance with law, professional standards, and the NTC’s disciplinary procedures. In the interest of transparency and public confidence, ensure that the outcome of the investigation and any disciplinary process is communicated publicly and timeously,” the petition said.
The coalition further called on the NTC to strengthen safeguarding compliance across the teaching profession by educating teachers on non-violent, child-centred and de-escalatory approaches to managing discipline in schools.
The petitioners said they trust the council will treat the matter with urgency in order to protect learners, uphold professional standards and preserve the integrity of the teaching profession.
The organisations behind the petition are ActionAid Ghana, Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch), the Centre for Research and Development Alternatives (CREDA), the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), the Ghana Youth Manifesto Coalition, the International Child Development Programme (ICDP), Norsaac, the Northern Regional Youth Network, School for Life, and Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF) Ghana.
