The Northern Regional Executives of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) have expressed disappointment in the Ghana Education Service (GES) for failing to issue a formal public statement on the death of teacher Abu Seidu at Gindabour. According to GNAT, the apparent silence from the GES was troubling, particularly because Mr Seidu was an employee of the Service.
In a statement issued on September 24, GNAT said the Association was particularly disappointed by the absence of a formal public statement from the GES condemning the death of Mr. Abu Seidu and expressing solidarity with his bereaved family and colleagues. The Association stressed that the circumstances surrounding the teacher’s death had generated national concern and competing accounts, making it necessary for his employer to publicly respond.
GNAT has therefore called on the GES to immediately formally acknowledge the death of Mr Seidu and express condolences to his family and colleagues. The Association also wants the Service to publicly condemn any unlawful conduct established to have contributed to his death and cooperate fully with an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Association further called on the GES to provide appropriate institutional support to the bereaved family. Mr Seidu, a teacher at Gindabour D/A Primary School, died following an encounter involving police officers in the area. His death was followed by the killing of General Constable Redeemer Owusu, amid heightened tensions in the community.
GNAT said the GES must demonstrate institutional responsibility towards one of its employees while the circumstances surrounding his death are investigated. According to the Association, silence in the face of the death of a member of the teaching profession is deeply troubling, especially when the incident has generated national concern and competing accounts.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Seidu's death. The police have arrested 44 accused persons in connection with the incident and remanded them into police custody.
GNAT's demands come as the GES faces criticism for its handling of various issues, including the management of school feeding programs and the collection of unauthorized fees in some schools. The Service has urged communities to help provide kitchens for the school feeding program and has transferred funds to senior high schools for perishables and recurring items.
Key points
- GNAT demands GES statement on teacher's death
- Association wants independent investigation into incident
- GES accused of failing to demonstrate institutional responsibility
