11 Civil Society Organisations Petition National Teaching Council Over Alleged Teacher Misconduct at Nyinahin Catholic SHS

A coalition of eleven civil society organisations (CSOs) has officially petitioned the National Teaching Council (NTC) to investigate a disturbing incident involving a teacher at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School in the Ashanti Region. The teacher, identified as Eric Buenortey Akpafio, was captured in a viral video allegedly engaging in a physical altercation with a final-year female student. This incident has triggered widespread public outrage and raised serious questions regarding professional standards and safety measures within Ghana’s educational institutions.

Following the circulation of the video, Mr. Akpafio was arrested and brought before a court on June 10. Amidst the legal proceedings, the Judicial Service clarified the situation, dismissing claims that a magistrate had improperly facilitated an "amicable settlement" between the parties. The coalition emphasized that while the judicial process is ongoing, it does not replace the necessity for a professional inquiry by the NTC. The CSOs are calling for a comprehensive assessment of whether the teacher’s actions constitute a breach of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act and the National Teachers’ Standards.

The coalition, which includes organisations focused on child rights and educational reform, is urging the NTC to evaluate Mr. Akpafio’s fitness to continue practicing as an educator. They argue that the incident highlights a broader need for improved teacher training in discipline management and safeguarding. By seeking disciplinary sanctions, the petitioners aim to ensure that teacher conduct remains aligned with ethical standards, thereby protecting students from violence and maintaining public trust in the state's ability to provide a safe learning environment.

As the NTC reviews the petition, the case serves as a critical test for the enforcement of professional regulations in the education sector. The CSOs have remained firm in their stance that non-violent approaches to discipline must be strictly adhered to and that transparency in investigating misconduct is essential for institutional accountability. The outcome of this inquiry is expected to set a significant precedent for how the council handles reports of teacher-on-student violence and the protection of student welfare in Senior High Schools across the country.