The President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Prosper Tachie (Esq), has issued a stern warning against the rising tide of violence directed at educators, especially teachers. On behalf of GNAT, he has called for severe and expedited punishment for offenders to serve as a deterrent.

Addressing the media in Kumasi following the association’s National Delegates’ Conference, Mr Tachie expressed grave concern over the increasing reports of teachers being physically and verbally abused by students, parents, and organised groups within various communities.

He said it was very worrying how attacks on teachers by students, and sometimes parents, have almost become a norm.

“In recent times, we have seen a number of attacks on our members. These attacks usually emanate from parents, students, and even outside groups. We do not take delight in such attacks,” the GNAT President stated.

He emphasised that the current environment is becoming increasingly unsafe for educators, which directly hinders effective teaching and learning. To combat this, GNAT is demanding that the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the judicial system move away from lenient warnings and instead apply harsh, deterrent sanctions.

The association insists that once an aggressor is identified, the legal and administrative consequences must be swift and significant enough to discourage others from following suit.

“We are issuing this call so that, going forward, once a culprit is identified, the sanctions issued must be deterrent enough so that others will stay away from such acts. It is the duty of the state to ensure a safe school environment for both teachers and learners.”

The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity of the teaching profession, stating that it will no longer tolerate the victimisation of its members while they carry out their national duties as educators.