GNAT demands probe into alleged assault on teachers by soldiers

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has condemned an assault by alleged military personnel on three teachers and a civilian in Adiewoso, within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region.

The incident, which has left many in the teaching fraternity outraged, occurred on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Adiewoso M/A Basic School.

According to the Wassa West District branch of GNAT, the victims were allegedly beaten by soldiers believed to be from the 2nd Infantry Battalion at Apremdo in Takoradi.

The attack is linked to ongoing tensions over illegal mining (galamsey) activities on a rubber plantation belonging to the Ghana Rubber Estate Limited.

The soldiers had first entered the community on April 28 to clamp down on galamsey, leading to a confrontation with residents. Two days later, the situation took a troubling turn.

“They ordered them to lie on the ground and whipped them repeatedly, causing injuries to their backs and other parts of their bodies. They were also threatened with being shot if they resisted,” GNAT said in its statement.

The association revealed that the affected teachers identified themselves and presented their GNAT ID cards but their pleas were allegedly ignored by the military personnel.

The victims have since reported the matter to the police, received medical treatment and submitted medical reports to support investigations.

While GNAT acknowledges the importance of fighting illegal mining, it has drawn a firm line against the use of excessive force on innocent citizens.

“We are not against efforts to stop galamsey but we strongly oppose any actions that violate the fundamental human rights of innocent individuals,” the statement noted.

The teachers’ union is calling on the Ministries of the Interior and Defence, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Police Service and the Western Regional Coordinating Council to immediately launch a full-scale investigation and bring those responsible to book.

GNAT has also appealed to the Ghana Education Service to grant the affected teachers at least three weeks off duty for recovery, along with necessary counselling support.

The association has warned that it will take further action if authorities fail to respond within two weeks.

Meanwhile, GNAT expressed appreciation to the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Issah Salifu Taylor and local authorities for their swift intervention and support to the affected teachers.

NA/AM

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