We expected tougher sanctions for Kade students – CAPCOE 

The Campaign Against Privatization and Commercialization of Education (CAPCOE) says it expected the Kade District Court to impose stringent sanctions on the Kade Senior High Technical School students who assaulted their teacher.

Mr Richard Kovey, Convener of CAPCOE, said the punishment imposed on them was not strong enough to send a clear warning to students who might consider engaging in acts of violence against educators. 

He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that at least six months’ imprisonment or community service, in addition to the fines, would have had a stronger deterrent effect and demonstrated society’s commitment to protecting teachers who carry out their professional duties.

“What they did could have been a major issue if nobody came to the rescue of the teacher. It is their parents who are going to pay, not them, so they have nothing to contribute to the final decision,” he stated.

Mr Kovey said victims of assault often suffered long-term emotional and mental distress and highlighted the medical expenses incurred through hospital visits and treatment, arguing that the fines imposed were insufficient in addressing these burdens.

He, however, expressed satisfaction with them being kept in police custody during the legal process, as that allowed the offenders to appreciate the seriousness of their actions and understand the gravity of committing violence against a teacher.

CAPCOE stressed that teachers deserve protection as professionals who play a critical role in national development and urged that judicial authorities should not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions even when perpetrators were minors or students furthering their education, as the courts might consider such factors during sentencing.

He emphasised the importance of addressing indiscipline early, noting that instilling proper behaviour from a young age was crucial to preventing students from developing into serious threats to society in the future.

A district court in Kade, in the Eastern Region, remanded five former students of Kade Senior High Technical School over the assault of a teacher during the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination.

Out of the five, four of the students who were above 18 years were fined GHs 3,800 each, out of which GHs 1,800 is payable to the court and GHs 2,000 to the victim, or in default, they face a six-month prison sentence, while the 17-year-old juvenile’s case is being handled by the juvenile court.