Press Statement: NAGRAT Raises Alarm Over Rising Violence in Schools; Demands Urgent Action from GES

The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has issued a firm call to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take immediate and decisive action in response to the growing spate of violence targeted at teachers in senior high schools across the country.

In a statement released after its National Council meeting held on 15th May 2025 at the NAGRAT Lyceum in Accra, the Association expressed deep concern over the increasing number of student-led attacks on teachers, coupled with the alarming presence of weapons—including guns and machetes—on school premises.

According to the Council, the environment in many schools has become unsafe for both teachers and students who genuinely wish to learn.

Recent incidents highlighted include:

• A teacher at Christian Methodist Senior High School, Mr. Walter Yesotor Adanunyo, who was assaulted for preventing examination malpractice.

• Mr. Ebenezer Kateya of Accra High School, attacked for simply enforcing proper student dressing.

• A student at Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) found in possession of a firearm.

NAGRAT criticized what it described as weak and ineffective responses from both government and GES regarding these incidents.

The Association identified several contributing factors:

• The admission of students who clearly do not meet BECE performance standards.

• Political interference when school authorities attempt to enforce discipline.

• Restrictions on repeating underperforming students.

• The cumbersome process involved in withdrawing problematic students from schools.

NAGRAT warns that if the trend is not halted, the country may soon face even more tragic outcomes, including severe injuries, sexual assault, and potentially fatal attacks.

The Council is demanding that the GES Director-General publicly announce by 31st May 2025 that:

1. Any student who physically attacks a teacher or staff member should be immediately dismissed.

2. Any student found with a weapon must be dismissed without exception.

3. Schools should be allowed to repeat students who fall below academic standards, without seeking higher approval.

Should the GES fail to make these pronouncements by 1st June 2025, NAGRAT says it will begin a series of actions to protect teachers.

You may download the full statement for detailed reference.