Education policy advocacy group, Eduwatch, has commended the Ghana Police Service for the swift arrest of a teacher at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School over the alleged assault of an 18-year-old female student, while calling for stronger safeguarding measures across the country’s education sector.
In a statement issued on June 10, 2026, the organisation confirmed the arrest of Eric Buenortey Akpafio, a teacher at the school, in connection with the alleged incident.
Eduwatch praised the police for their prompt response and expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would ensure accountability and justice.
“Eduwatch notes the arrest of Mr. Eric Buenortey Akpafio, a teacher at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School, by the Ghana Police Service in connection with the alleged assault of an 18-year-old female student of the school,” the statement said.
The organisation stressed that every learner has the right to study in a safe, protective and inclusive environment free from violence, intimidation, abuse and any form of physical harm.
According to Eduwatch, schools must remain places where children and young people are protected, supported and empowered to learn without fear.
The advocacy group also reminded teachers and other education personnel of their professional and ethical responsibility to adopt non-violent and child-centred approaches to discipline and classroom management.
It maintained that no disciplinary issue should result in physical confrontation or violence against a student.
Eduwatch further urged educational institutions to handle disciplinary matters in line with established procedures and safeguarding protocols to protect both learners and staff while maintaining public confidence in the education system.
The organisation called on the Ghana Education Service to provide immediate medical attention and psychosocial support to the affected student and to conduct an internal disciplinary investigation into the conduct of the teacher.
It also appealed to the GES to make the findings of its investigations public in the interest of transparency and accountability.
Beyond the current case, Eduwatch renewed its call for stronger child protection systems in schools nationwide, including stricter enforcement of safeguarding policies and regular training for teachers and school leaders on positive discipline and conflict de-escalation.
The group further urged the Ministry of Education to introduce reforms that would make safeguarding suitability a key requirement in teacher recruitment, licensing and supervision.
Among its recommendations are pre-service and periodic criminal background checks for teachers to strengthen professionalism, protect learners and ensure schools remain safe environments for teaching and learning.
Eduwatch said such measures are necessary to prevent future incidents and promote a culture of safety, accountability and respect within Ghana’s education system.
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