The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has strongly condemned what it describes as a “barbaric and inhumane” assault on teachers by military personnel at Adiewoso.
In a statement issued by its Wassa West District branch, GNAT said the incident involved three teachers of Adiewoso M/A Basic School and a civilian during a dawn operation on April 30, 2026.
According to the association, the development follows earlier tensions linked to galamsey activities on a rubber plantation owned by Ghana Rubber Estate Limited.
GNAT alleged that the soldiers, believed to be from the 2nd Infantry Battalion in Takoradi, initially entered the community on April 28 to clamp down on illegal mining, which led to a confrontation with residents.
The situation reportedly escalated two days later when the military returned and allegedly carried out indiscriminate assaults on residents, including the teachers.
“They ordered them to lie on the ground and whipped them repeatedly, causing injuries to their backs and other parts of their bodies. They were also threatened with being shot if they resisted,” the statement said.
The association noted that the victims identified themselves as teachers and presented their GNAT identification cards, but their pleas were allegedly ignored.
The affected teachers have since reported the case to the Ghana Police Service, sought medical attention, and submitted reports to support ongoing investigations.
While acknowledging efforts to combat illegal mining, GNAT emphasised that such operations must respect fundamental human rights.
“We are not against efforts to stop galamsey, but we strongly oppose actions that violate the rights of innocent individuals,” the statement added.
The union is calling on the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Defence, Ghana Armed Forces, the Police Service, and the Western Regional Coordinating Council to launch a full investigation and ensure accountability.
GNAT is also urging the Ghana Education Service to grant the affected teachers at least three weeks’ leave to recover, along with counselling support.
The association warned it may take further action if authorities fail to respond within two weeks.
Meanwhile, GNAT expressed appreciation to the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Issah Salifu Taylor, and local authorities for their intervention.
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