KEY POINTS
- More and more instructors in Ghana are hitting kids.
- Settlements with the police don’t make sure that people are held responsible.
- Teacher assault cases raise legal questions and safety
President John Mahama has condemned the rising wave of teacher assaults across Ghana, stressing that incidents like those at Kade Senior High School threaten discipline and public confidence in schools.
He made the remarks during the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Delegates Conference, where a viral video from October 2025 drew national attention.
The footage showed students attacking a mathematics teacher after he reportedly stopped them from cheating during an examination. Mahama voiced deep concern that, despite a formal police report, the students faced no legal consequences after their parents negotiated an out-of-court settlement.
Teacher assault cases raise serious legal concerns
“I watched the video showing students beating the maths teacher because he refused to let them cheat, and they acted with a sense of entitlement,” he said. Mahama said. He argued that treating such incidents as private disputes undermines the legal system and sets a troubling precedent.
The President said mere financial compensation to the teacher is insufficient. He added that the police informed them the teacher received compensation and chose not to press charges. “At minimum, the children should have faced legal proceedings,” he added.
Mahama suggested alternative accountability measures, including temporarily binding students to good behavior, to ensure justice is visible and effective. He stressed that making pupils responsible is important not just for each case, but also for building a culture of respect for teachers across the country.
The president promises to fully support teachers and discipline
Mahama ended his speech by saying that he would always stand for teachers and stressing the need to keep them secure in classrooms. He said, “I agree with you 100 percent about going after teachers.” We will take care of it.
He also addressed the broader issues caused by children who misbehave. He warned that if school violence goes unaddressed, it could reduce educational quality and erode public trust in the community. Mahama asked law enforcement agencies to enforce regulations rigorously and while he called on parents to instill discipline and respect for teachers.
The President’s involvement highlights rising worries about teacher safety in Ghana, as widely shared incidents. Quick settlements have sparked discussions about how laws are enforced, how students behave, and the responsibilities of schools in maintaining social values.
