Teachers threaten to start arming themselves over threats from students

Teachers Threaten to Arm Themselves Over Student Violence

The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) is demanding action against violence towards teachers. NAGRAT President Angel Carbonu suggested that teachers might arm themselves for protection.

Teachers have faced physical assaults and threats from students. This has raised concerns about safety in schools. If the Ghana Education Service does not act, NAGRAT plans to take action starting June 1, 2025.

NAGRAT is also considering a strike due to these issues. The Pre-tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (Pre-TTAG) has threatened similar actions over rising violence against teachers.

Carbonu emphasized the need for self-preservation. He stated, “If someone can harm me, I should be able to protect myself.” His comments come after several alarming incidents involving teacher assaults.

One notable case involved Ishmael Famous, a teacher at Asuoso Senior High School. He was stabbed in the eye by a student after stopping him for loitering on November 8, 2024. Famous lost his eye in this attack.

The Ghana National Association of Teachers is calling for justice for him. Teachers are also worried about students carrying weapons. Recently, a 16-year-old student at Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School was arrested with a gun.

This incident occurred during a routine dormitory search on May 14. In September 2024, another violent event took place at O’Reilly Senior High School when one student killed another with a knife.

The suspect in that case was arrested and charged with murder. Following this incident, a video surfaced showing another student brandishing a machete.

In related news, newly posted teachers protested in Kumasi on April 28 over unpaid salary arrears. They demanded payment of their nine-month salary backlog while welcoming President John Mahama to the region.