Education policy advocacy group Eduwatch has called for stronger safeguarding measures across Ghana’s education sector following the alleged assault of an 18-year-old female student at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Eduwatch confirmed that Eric Buenortey Akpafio had been arrested by the Ghana Police Service in connection with the alleged incident.
The organisation commended the police for their swift 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.
“We commend the Police for the swift action and ongoing investigations aimed at ensuring accountability and justice.”
Eduwatch stressed that every learner has the right to study in a safe and supportive environment, free from violence, intimidation, abuse, humiliation, or any form of physical harm. It emphasised that schools must remain spaces where children and young people are protected and empowered to learn.
The advocacy group also reminded teachers and education personnel of their professional and ethical responsibility to adopt non-violent, child-centred, and de-escalatory approaches to discipline and classroom management.
“Teachers and all education personnel have a professional and ethical duty to uphold non-violent, child-centred and de-escalatory approaches to discipline, behaviour management and classroom control.”
According to Eduwatch, no disciplinary issue should ever result in physical violence against a student.
“No disciplinary concern justifies physical confrontation or violence against a learner.”
The organisation urged schools to address disciplinary matters through approved procedures and safeguarding protocols that protect both students and educators while maintaining public confidence in the education system.
Call for Support and Accountability
Eduwatch further called on the Ghana Education Service to provide immediate assistance to the affected student, including medical attention and appropriate psychosocial support.
It also urged the GES to initiate an internal disciplinary investigation into the teacher’s conduct and make the findings public in the interest of transparency and accountability.
Push for Stronger Child Protection Measures
Beyond the current case, Eduwatch renewed its appeal for stronger child protection systems in schools across the country. The organisation advocated:
Stricter enforcement of safeguarding policies.
Additionally, Eduwatch called on the Ministry of Education to introduce reforms that make safeguarding suitability a core requirement for teachers.
The group recommended the introduction of pre-service and periodic criminal background checks as part of teacher recruitment, licensing, and supervision processes, arguing that such measures would strengthen professionalism, protect learners, and help ensure that every school in Ghana remains a safe environment for teaching, learning, and development.
SOURCE: NANA ACHIAA ABOAGYE
