The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) is demanding an immediate investigation into an alleged assault on three teachers and a civilian by military personnel in Adiewoso, Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, Western Region, on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The union has condemned the incident as “barbaric and inhumane” and is calling for accountability.
Background to the Incident
Tensions in the Adiewoso community had been escalating due to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, on land belonging to Ghana Rubber Estate Limited. GNAT reports that military personnel, believed to be from the 2nd Infantry Battalion at Apremdo, initially entered the community on April 28 to confront these illegal operations.
This initial operation reportedly led to a confrontation with residents. The situation worsened two days later when the military allegedly returned and conducted indiscriminate assaults on community members, including the teachers.
Details of the Alleged Assault
According to a statement released by the Wassa West District branch of GNAT, the soldiers ordered residents, including the teachers, to lie on the ground. They were then allegedly whipped repeatedly, sustaining injuries to their backs and other parts of their bodies.
GNAT claims the victims identified themselves as teachers and presented their GNAT ID cards in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. However, their pleas were allegedly ignored by the military personnel.
The association also reported that the victims were threatened with being shot if they resisted the orders during the alleged assault.
Teachers Seek Justice and Support
The affected teachers have since filed a report with the local police. They have also sought medical attention for their injuries and submitted medical reports to aid in the ongoing police investigation.
While GNAT acknowledges the national effort to combat illegal mining, the association emphasized that such operations must be conducted with respect for human rights. “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 read.
GNAT’s Demands and Call to Action
GNAT is formally calling on the Ministries of the Interior and Defence, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Police Service, and the Western Regional Coordinating Council to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the alleged assault.
The union seeks to ensure that all individuals responsible for the “barbaric and inhumane” actions are held accountable for their conduct. GNAT has issued a two-week ultimatum for a response from the authorities.
Furthermore, GNAT has appealed to the Ghana Education Service to grant the three affected teachers at least three weeks of leave. This leave is intended to allow them time for physical recovery and access to necessary psychological counselling.
Community and Political Support
The association expressed gratitude towards the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Issah Salifu Taylor, and local authorities for their prompt intervention and support in the aftermath of the incident.
Future Implications and Watch Points
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing the fight against illegal mining with the protection of citizens’ rights. The response from the government and military authorities will be closely watched, not only by GNAT but also by other civil society organizations concerned with human rights and due process.
The outcome of the investigation and any disciplinary actions taken will set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future. GNAT’s warning of further action indicates a potential escalation of the dispute if their demands for accountability are not met, signaling a significant test for the government’s commitment to upholding human rights during security operations.
Leave a Reply