The District Chief Executive for Atwima Mponua in the Ashanti Region, Hon Ibrahim Issahak, has strongly condemned a physical altercation between a teacher and a female Form Three student of Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School (NCASS) following a dispute over unpaid hostel fees.

The incident, which occurred at a student hostel on the school’s campus, has sparked public outrage after a video of the confrontation went viral online.

According to reports, the teacher, who also serves as the hostel caretaker, was demanding payment of outstanding arrears owed by the student and some of her colleagues when tensions escalated into a heated exchange that turned physical.

In the circulating video, other students can be heard expressing frustration over repeated confrontations regarding the unpaid fees. Some bystanders are heard appealing for the affected Form Three students to be removed from the hostel if necessary, instead of being subjected to constant disputes.

The exact circumstances that led to the physical clash remain unclear.

Reacting to the incident, Hon Ibrahim Issahak described the teacher’s conduct as unprofessional and unacceptable, stressing that corporal punishment or physical fights are not the right way to resolve issues with students.

“Even if the student offended the teacher or owes fees, fighting her is not the right way to punish or correct her. Teachers are supposed to be role models. This act is condemnable and must not be entertained in our schools,” the DCE stated.

Hon Issahak has called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to immediately investigate the matter and apply appropriate sanctions if anyone is found culpable.

He added that the District Assembly will not tolerate any act that undermines discipline and the safety of students.

“We cannot allow our schools to become boxing rings. The GES must step in immediately, investigate thoroughly, and ensure such incidents do not recur,” he said.

The DCE further urged school authorities across the district to strengthen guidance and counselling units to help manage student-teacher conflicts more professionally.

School authorities at Nyinahin Catholic SHS are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

Sompaonline.com/Bawa Baidoo