The National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTA) has demanded immediate legal and disciplinary action against a teacher at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School in the Ashanti Region following the circulation of a video depicting the alleged assault of a female student. The incident, which occurred at the school located in the Atwima Mponua District, has sparked widespread condemnation from parents and educators alike.
Condemnation of Physical Abuse
In a press statement released on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, NCPTA General Secretary Gapson Kofi Raphael expressed profound shock and outrage. The council unequivocally condemned the physical abuse captured on video, labeling it an act of torture that violates national laws and the Ghana Education Service (GES) Code of Conduct.
The teacher involved has been identified as Eric Buernotey Apaflo. The footage shows him allegedly beating, punching, and slamming a female student. The NCPTA stated this constitutes a severe violation of basic human rights and a direct breach of Section 3.8 of the GES Code of Conduct for Staff.
The council emphasized the severe consequences such misconduct can have on students. This includes the risk of severe physical injury, long-term emotional trauma, increased absenteeism, and the potential for the victim to drop out of school entirely.
Rejection of Disciplinary Justification
Speaking on behalf of parents nationwide, the General Secretary firmly rejected any attempt to rationalize the violent actions as a form of school discipline. “Ghana is a country governed by law, not by the jungle,” the statement read. “Teachers have a duty of care to maintain discipline and ensure safety, but that duty never extends to violence.”
NCPTA’s Four-Point Directive
As custodians of student welfare, the NCPTA has issued a four-point directive to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences. These demands aim to provide swift justice and systemic improvements.
Firstly, the NCPTA has officially called for the immediate criminal prosecution of Mr. Apaflo. The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service is urged to launch a thorough investigation, document medical evidence of injuries, and prosecute the teacher under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
Secondly, the Ghana Education Service (GES) is strongly urged to interdict the teacher without delay. This action is to be followed by formal disciplinary proceedings conducted in accordance with civil service regulations.
Thirdly, local PTA Executives at Nyinahin Catholic SHS are instructed to collaborate with the victim’s parents. Their role is to provide comprehensive legal and psychological support to the affected student.
Finally, the NCPTA is demanding a systemic overhaul of safety protocols within the GES. This includes strengthening safeguarding measures, enhancing positive discipline training for teachers nationwide, and establishing confidential reporting channels for students who experience abuse.
Commitment to Safe Learning Environments
The parent-teacher body reaffirmed its dedication to fostering safe and conducive learning environments across all public and private schools in Ghana. The council stressed the importance of academic learning and character development, emphasizing that these goals can only be achieved in an atmosphere free from violence and fear.
The incident at Nyinahin Catholic SHS serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and robust protective measures within educational institutions. The NCPTA’s demands highlight the critical importance of holding educators accountable and ensuring that schools remain safe havens for all students.
The coming weeks will reveal the extent to which these demands are met by the relevant authorities, with parents and educators watching closely for decisive action and tangible improvements in school safety protocols. The focus will be on whether the GES and the Ghana Police Service implement the requested measures effectively to restore confidence in the educational system’s commitment to student protection.
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