A coalition of 11 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has formally petitioned the National Teaching Council (NTC) to launch a professional investigation into the conduct of a teacher at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School, Mr. Eric Buenortey Akpafio, following allegations linked to a physical confrontation involving a female student.
The organisations, drawn from sectors including education policy, child protection, gender advocacy, peacebuilding, and governance accountability, are urging the regulatory body to undertake a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
They argue that the matter raises serious questions about professional conduct, safeguarding obligations, and adherence to established standards governing teachers in Ghana.
The call for investigation comes against the backdrop of heightened public debate and legal clarification surrounding the case. The Judicial Service recently issued a statement addressing what it described as misleading reports suggesting that a magistrate had encouraged parties to settle the matter outside court. According to the Service, those claims do not reflect official court records and should be disregarded.
In a clarification signed on June 12 by Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed, it was explained that a review of proceedings at the Nkawie District Court showed the trial magistrate acted within legal procedure after prosecutors moved to withdraw the matter. Following that development, the case was struck out in line with court processes.
The incident itself gained national attention after a video circulated widely on social media platforms, allegedly showing an altercation between the teacher and a female student within the Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School campus. The footage triggered public concern and prompted legal action, with the matter later being brought before the Toase District Court on June 10.
In their petition dated June 15, the CSOs are asking the NTC to determine whether the teacher’s alleged actions amount to professional misconduct under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020, as well as the National Teachers’ Standards and other safeguarding and ethical frameworks guiding educators.
The coalition specifically called for a formal disciplinary assessment to establish whether there has been any breach of duty of care, professional judgment, or learner protection responsibilities expected of teachers working within Ghana’s education system.
They emphasized that such an inquiry should not only focus on the incident itself but also on broader compliance with professional conduct standards in school environments.
They further urged the Council to assess the teacher’s suitability to continue practicing, particularly in relation to ethical behaviour, classroom discipline methods, and adherence to child safeguarding principles designed to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for students.
The petition also outlined expectations for sanctions in the event that any violations are confirmed through the investigative process. According to the CSOs, disciplinary action should be consistent with applicable laws and the Council’s established procedures, with an emphasis on accountability and deterrence within the teaching profession.
Additionally, the organisations stressed the importance of transparency in handling the matter, calling for public communication of the outcome of any investigation or disciplinary proceedings to strengthen confidence in the regulatory system and reinforce professional standards.
Beyond the immediate case, the coalition also recommended broader reforms aimed at improving safeguarding practices in schools. They proposed enhanced training for teachers on non-violent discipline, child-centred approaches, and de-escalation techniques to better manage conflicts and maintain order in educational institutions without resorting to physical confrontation.
The petitioners noted that their appeal is grounded in the need to protect learners and uphold the integrity of the teaching profession, expressing confidence that the NTC will treat the matter with urgency given its implications for school safety and professional ethics.
The organisations behind the petition include 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.
