Headmaster says transfer of tutors is to enforce discipline

Shama (W/R), Nov. 29, GNA - The authorities of the Shama Senior High School have explained that the decision to transfer two members of staff was to enforce discipline and ensure high academic standards. They said the transfer of Mr. Kwaku Duah-Agyemang and Mr. Mathias Quaicoe, both of the Agricultural Science Department of the School, was taken at the management level of the Metropolitan Education Directorate and not the sole decision of the Headmaster of the school. Mr. Kwadwo Atta-Obeng, Headmaster of the school, denied in a statement that the transfer was to victimize the two tutors for their stance against alleged wrongdoing and "cruelty" towards teaching and non-teaching staff.

The transfer of Mr Dua-Agyeman and Mr. Quaicoe to the Aboadze/Abuesi Junior High School and Korsah Complex Junior High School in Takoradi respectively as subject teachers resulted in a misunderstanding. An earlier statement signed by 37 members of staff, in solidarity with their two colleagues, threatened to protest against the transfer that they perceived as "victimization intimidation and persecution to settle scores".

The statement described Mr. Atta-Obeng's working relations as "very appalling" and also alleged that he extorted monies from students and took unauthorized fees from parents for which he did not give receipts.

But Mr. Atta-Obeng said the signatories to that statement were obtained through fraudulent means and challenged Mr. Dua-Agyeman and Mr. Quaicoe to prove that they have the support of other members of staff. Mr. Atta-Obeng showed the GNA queries and letters that recommended the transfer of Mr. Dua-Agyeman from the Shama Secondary School since 2001.