A violent assault on a mathematics teacher at Kade Senior High Technical School has triggered widespread outrage, police arrests, and strong condemnations from national leaders and education authorities.
What happened?
In October, 2025, Mathematics tutor Michael Quayson was attacked near his residence in Kade after supervising the Christian Religious Studies paper of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Reports indicate he had enforced strict rules against malpractice, provoking retaliation from students and former pupils.
A video of the assault surfaced online, sparking national outrage. The Ghana Education Service (GES) confirmed the incident and condemned the attack, noting it had not been formally reported until the footage went vira.
The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) issued a 14-day ultimatum to government, threatening strike action if prosecutions and compensation were not delivered.
On January 5, 2026, Police, supported by the Cyber Security Unit, arrested five suspects in Accra and transferred them to Kade for court proceedings.
On January 7, 2026, the suspects appeared before the Kade District Court. Four adults were remanded into prison custody, while a 17-year-old juvenile was remanded into police custody. They are scheduled to reappear on January 20, 2026.
Reactions
President John Dramani Mahama condemned the assault, describing it as a “shameful affront to discipline and respect for authority.” Speaking at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Delegates Conference on January, he criticized attempts at out-of-court settlements, arguing they undermined accountability and eroded trust in the education system.
Ghana Education Service (GES)
The Ghana Education Service had earlier issued a statement denouncing the attack and pledged punitive action against perpetrators. Officials confirmed the assault was linked to Quayson’s strict supervision during the WASSCE exam. The Service emphasized that violence against teachers would not be tolerated and announced investigations to strengthen school discipline.
Teacher Unions (GNAT & NAGRAT)
GNAT condemned the attack, stressing that teacher safety must be prioritized. Leaders warned that unchecked violence could erode confidence in Ghana’s education system.
NAGRAT described the assault as “barbaric and unacceptable,” demanding prosecutions and compensation. The union threatened nationwide strike action if government failed to act within two weeks.
As proceedings continue, the family of Michael Quayson has reiterated calls for justice and protection, stressing that the attack was provoked only by his strict discipline during the WASSCE.
Teacher unions have amplified these demands, with NAGRAT’s calling off its intended indefinite strike action, which was supposed to commence on Thursday, January 8, 2026. GNAT is also pressing for systemic reforms and transparent justice in this case to deter future assaults and restore confidence in Ghana’s schools
