11 CSOs Petition NTC Over Alleged Teacher-Student Altercation at Nyinahin Catholic SHS

This morning, 11 civil society organisations petitioned the National Teaching Council to probe an alleged incident at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School involving a physical altercation between a teacher, Mr. Eric Buenortey Akpafio, and a female student. The incident, linked to a hostel fee dispute, was captured in a video that has since gone viral.

In the petition dated June 15, 2026, the CSOs asked the NTC to:

1. *Investigate for professional misconduct* – Conduct a full inquiry into the teacher’s alleged actions and decide if they breached the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020, the National Teachers’ Standards, and safeguarding duties.

2. *Assess fitness to practise* – Review the teacher’s ethical conduct, judgment, learner protection record, and duty of care to maintain a safe school environment.

3. *Apply sanctions if needed* – Impose appropriate disciplinary measures in line with law and NTC procedures if breaches are confirmed.

4. *Ensure transparency* – Publicly communicate the outcome of the probe to maintain confidence in teacher regulation.

5. *Strengthen safeguarding* – Reinforce teachers’ obligation to use non-violent, child-centred, and de-escalatory methods for school discipline.

The groups said the matter raises serious concerns about professional conduct and public trust in teaching. They cited the NTC’s mandate to regulate teacher licensing, standards, and discipline under Act 1023, and referenced the 2017 National Teachers’ Standards which require teachers to protect learner safety and dignity.

*Petitioning organisations:*

1. ActionAid Ghana

2. Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch)

3. Centre for Research and Development Alternatives (CREDA)

4. Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA)

5. Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)

6. Ghana Youth Manifesto Coalition

7. International Child Development Programme (ICDP)

8. Norsaac

9. Northern Regional Youth Network