The CDD-Ghana and a coalition of civil society organisations have petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the alleged assault of an 18-year-old student of Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School by a teacher.
The petition argues that the incident constitutes a serious violation of the student’s constitutional and human rights and calls for an independent human rights investigation, in addition to the ongoing criminal and administrative proceedings.
The case stems from an incident on June 8, 2026, in which a teacher and hostel caretaker, identified by police as Eric Buernortey Apaflo, allegedly assaulted the student, Patience Chibu, following a confrontation over alleged misconduct in the school’s hostel.
A viral video of the incident showed the teacher repeatedly striking the student before allegedly lifting and throwing her to the ground as bystanders pleaded with him to stop.
According to the petitioners, the assault violates several provisions of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, including the student’s rights to dignity, personal liberty, equality before the law and protection from mistreatment.
They also argue that the incident contravenes international human rights treaties to which Ghana is a signatory, including those of the United Nations and the African Union.
The organisations further expressed concern over reports suggesting attempts to settle the criminal aspect of the case out of court, insisting that such an approach should not prevent CHRAJ from investigating the alleged human rights violations.
Among the reliefs sought, the petitioners want CHRAJ to conduct a full investigation into the incident, determine whether the student’s constitutional rights were violated, and recommend appropriate remedies, including psychological support, medical care and other forms of compensation.
They also want the Commission to recommend administrative sanctions against the teacher and urge the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education to adopt a comprehensive policy on violence prevention in schools, with a focus on protecting students from abuse and gender-based violence.
Additionally, the coalition is calling for legislative and policy reforms to strengthen the prohibition of corporal punishment and physical violence in educational institutions while improving reporting and accountability mechanisms.
The petitioners argue that the incident is not isolated but reflects broader systemic challenges relating to violence in schools, stressing that educational institutions must remain safe environments where the rights and dignity of every student are protected.
