The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) is demanding justice and adequate compensation for a teacher, Ishmael Famous, who was brutally attacked by a student at Asuoso Senior High School in Offinso, Ashanti Region. The incident, which left the teacher blind in his left eye, has sparked outrage among educators and the broader community.
The unfortunate event occurred on November 18, 2024, when Ishmael Famous asked a loitering student to return to class. In an unprovoked response, the student, whose name has been withheld, attacked the teacher, stabbing him in the left eye. The injury has resulted in the permanent loss of vision in the affected eye, rendering the teacher partially blind.
GNAT Calls for Accountability
GNAT has condemned the attack and is urging law enforcement agencies to prosecute the student to the fullest extent of the law. Speaking on the matter, GNAT General Secretary, Thomas Musah, emphasized the importance of holding the student accountable, as well as providing the victim with adequate compensation under the Workmen’s Compensation Act.
“The law demands that if someone is injured while performing their lawful duty, they must be compensated,” Musah stated. “The affected teacher has lost his left eye completely. For the rest of his life, he will have to live with this disability. Who will pay for his medical expenses? Who will support his recovery and livelihood?”
Musah revealed his frustration with attempts by some community members to trivialize the incident or push for the case to be dropped. He warned that GNAT would consider withdrawing teaching services if justice is not served when schools reopen after the Christmas break.
The Teacher's Plight and Career Impact
Losing his left eye has not only caused physical and emotional trauma to Ishmael Famous but has also put his career in jeopardy. Musah explained that as a teacher, one relies heavily on their eyesight to perform basic tasks like reading, grading, and instructing students.
“This injury is a threat to his professional life. If the body part affected is crucial to your work, there is an amount of compensation stipulated by law. Whether it is your leg, hand, or eye, there are provisions for compensation based on the severity of the disability,” Musah explained.
GNAT is therefore urging the Ghana Education Service (GES) and other stakeholders to ensure the teacher receives full compensation and support to rebuild his life.
GNAT’s Warning to Authorities
The GNAT leadership has also criticized the slow pace of investigations into the matter. Musah called on the police to expedite their investigations and ensure that the student is held accountable. He further appealed to the GES to take the issue seriously and collaborate with law enforcement to ensure justice is served.
“Our teachers are already working under challenging conditions. If they can’t feel safe in their own schools, how can we expect them to deliver quality education?” Musah questioned.
He warned that GNAT would take drastic measures, including the withdrawal of teaching services across affected schools, if swift action is not taken.
Widespread Outrage
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters. Many educators and parents have expressed shock and anger over the attack, highlighting the need for improved security in schools and stricter disciplinary measures for students who assault teachers.
“This is not just an attack on a teacher but an attack on the entire education system,” one teacher commented. “We cannot tolerate such acts of violence in our schools.”
Others have called for comprehensive reforms to ensure better protection for teachers. Some have suggested that teachers be given legal and psychological support in cases of assault.
Moving Forward
The stabbing of Ishmael Famous serves as a wake-up call for authorities to address the growing concerns about teacher safety and student discipline in schools. The tragic event has reignited calls for better enforcement of laws protecting educators and improved mechanisms for resolving disputes between students and teachers.
For GNAT, the focus is clear: justice for Ishmael Famous and better support systems for all teachers who face threats while carrying out their duties. The association has vowed to stand by the victim and ensure that his sacrifices are not forgotten.
As schools prepare to reopen after the Christmas break, the spotlight remains on the Ghanaian authorities to deliver justice and demonstrate their commitment to protecting educators across the country.
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