The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) is calling for swift justice after a teacher at Asuoso Senior High School in Offinso, Ashanti Region, lost his left eye in an assault by a student.
The incident occurred when the teacher, Ishmael Famous, instructed the loitering student to return to the classroom. The student, whose identity remains undisclosed, retaliated by stabbing the teacher in the eye, causing permanent damage.
GNAT has urged the police to prosecute the student and demanded that the victim receive Workmen’s Compensation, as outlined by law, for the injury sustained while performing his duties.
“The law provides that anyone injured in the line of duty should be compensated,” said GNAT’s General Secretary, Thomas Musah.
Musah also condemned attempts by some locals to suppress the case, warning that if justice is not served, teachers may withdraw their services when schools reopen after the Christmas break.
He further questioned who would cover the teacher’s medical expenses, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the need for accountability.
GNAT has called on the police and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to act promptly, stating that failure to do so may result in drastic actions by the association.
Mr Musah explained that on November 18, 2024, he received a report that the teacher had been stabbed in the left eye after the teacher had asked the student to enter the classroom.
Following the damage caused to the eye, the GNAT General Secretary said the career of the teacher was in danger because “Looking at the profession, you need your eyes to work with”.
“So, depending on the part of your body that is affected, if your leg is cut off, there is an amount to be paid. If your hand is cut off, there is an amount.
“And if it is your eye, if that particular part of your body that is affected is what you are depending upon as a professional, there is an amount of money to be paid to you”.
Mr Musah charged all to endeavour to support teachers to discharge their duties effectively
