Teachers at Armed Forces SHTS Cry Out Over Militarization of Campus, Demand Transfer of Headmaster

A deepening crisis has engulfed the Armed Forces Senior High Technical School (AFSHTS) in Kumasi as teachers and non-teaching staff have raised alarm over what they describe as the militarization of the school environment and growing threats to their safety. The teachers have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to authorities, demanding the immediate transfer of the Headmaster, Colonel Godwin Agbekey, following a brutal attack on a female teacher allegedly carried out by armed Military Police officers under his influence.

The disturbing incident, which occurred on Monday, October 28, 2025, has sent shockwaves throughout the educational community. According to eyewitnesses, two armed Military Police officers, accompanied by a group of teachers believed to be loyal to the embattled headmaster, stormed the school premises and physically assaulted Madam Rita, a respected teacher at the institution. The officers reportedly attempted to forcefully arrest her to extract a statement supporting the illegal reinstatement of Col. Agbekey, who has been under investigation for corruption, conflict of interest, and gross misconduct by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the military high command.

The assault, which took place in broad daylight, was witnessed by several senior members of the school’s management and union leaders, including Mr. Afari Yeboah (Assistant Head, Administration), Madam Harriet Hedoti (Assistant Head, Domestic), Mr. Baba Atindana (NAGRAT Regional Secretary), and Mr. Ibrahim Tanko (NAGRAT Metro Chairman). Shocked staff described the act as “barbaric, dehumanizing, and criminal,” adding that it represents a calculated attempt to silence teachers who have consistently demanded transparency, fairness, and accountability from the headmaster.

According to staff accounts, this incident is not an isolated case but part of a disturbing pattern of intimidation that has plagued the school since Col. Agbekey’s removal from office. Despite official directives transferring him, the embattled headmaster has allegedly refused to vacate his position and continues to wield influence through the use of armed Military Police personnel. Teachers have accused him of turning the once peaceful academic environment into a zone of fear and oppression.

One teacher, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the headmaster has been using the Military Police, led by Warrant Officer Class 1 Akpotome Foli, as instruments of coercion and intimidation. “The campus feels more like a barracks than a school,” the teacher said. “We are educators, not soldiers. We cannot teach under fear of harassment or assault.”

It has also emerged that staff accommodation on campus has been used as a tool of control, with teachers allegedly receiving eviction notices ranging from 48 hours to one week without due process. Teachers claim these threats are meant to punish those perceived as opponents of Col. Agbekey’s leadership. “He uses junior officers from his own ethnic group to execute these acts of intimidation,” one teacher alleged, adding that the school community has become polarized and tense as a result.

Recently, a move by the Military Police to distribute questionable forms to teachers through one Mr. Nelson Aheto was met with resistance and was quickly withdrawn after staff accused the headmaster of using it as another tactic to identify and target dissenting teachers.

In a strongly worded press statement jointly signed by members of the four major teacher unions—NAGRAT, GNAT, CCT, and TEWU—the staff declared Colonel Godwin Agbekey persona non-grata on the school premises, describing his continued presence as a threat to peace, security, and the safety of both staff and students.

The unions have called on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to immediately dissociate the Ghana Armed Forces from the unlawful actions of the Military Police officers involved in the assault. They are also demanding an internal investigation and disciplinary action against the officers and their commanding officer in Kumasi, with a request for his transfer from the region within two weeks.

The staff further appealed to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to enforce the military’s directive removing Col. Agbekey from his post and ensure that he ceases to have any administrative or physical control over the school. They also called on the Ministries of Defence and Education to set up a joint fact-finding committee to investigate the matter thoroughly, identify all individuals involved, and recommend appropriate sanctions.

Additionally, they urged the Ghana Police Service and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to pursue justice for Madam Rita and other staff who have suffered harassment and abuse under the current administration.

In a passionate warning, the teachers stated that any further attempt to harass or assault any member of staff would be met with lawful resistance. “Our patience should not be mistaken for weakness,” the statement read. “We have endured intimidation for too long. We will not allow the militarization of our classrooms and offices.”

They reaffirmed their commitment to providing quality education and maintaining peace on campus but emphasized that their safety and dignity are non-negotiable. “We are professionals, not subordinates of a military hierarchy. We deserve respect, security, and a conducive environment to perform our duties,” the teachers asserted.

The statement concluded with an appeal to the Ghana Armed Forces, GES, and relevant state agencies to intervene urgently to prevent the situation from escalating further and tarnishing the image of the nation’s educational system.

As at press time, neither the Ghana Armed Forces nor the Ghana Education Service had released an official response to the allegations and demands outlined in the teachers’ petition.

SIGNED:

For and on behalf of the Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff of AFSHTS, Kumasi

1. Mr. Baba Atindana – NAGRAT Regional Secretary

2. Mr. Ibrahim Tanko – NAGRAT Metro Chairman

3. Madam Harriet Hedoti – Assistant Head, Domestic

4. Mr. Afari Yeboah – Assistant Head, Administration

5. Mr. Aboagye – Applied Electricity Department

6. Mr. Nelson Aheto – Teaching Staff Representative

7. Mr. Kwame Owusu – GNAT Local Chairman

8. Madam Esther Boamah – CCT Local Secretary

9. Mr. Daniel Adu-Gyamfi – TEWU Local Chairman

10. All Concerned Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff of AFSHTS

Contacts for Media Enquiries:

NAGRAT Representative: 055 378 0073

GNAT Office – AFSHTS Branch: 024 668 9412

CCT Local Chairman: 020 545 3887

TEWU Secretary: 026 301 7749

– END –