Thursday, 20 March

Kassena-Nankana West's Education Director asked to proceed on leave amid allegations of misconduct

Education
Teachers call on GES to act

Tensions are escalating in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region as teachers and education stakeholders call for the immediate removal of the District Director of Education, Mr. George Bebuba Woyongo, over alleged misconduct and administrative malpractice.

In response to mounting pressure, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed Mr. Woyongo to proceed on leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the claims.

The aggrieved teachers have accused Mr. Woyongo of demoting four headteachers and the District Statistics Officer without due process, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among staff.

They have also condemned his decision to appoint Mr. Gerald Awozare—allegedly his favourite—to dual roles as District Training Officer and District Budget Officer, describing it as a clear conflict of interest.

Further allegations include the selective appointment of circuit supervisors without public advertisement, a practice criticized for lacking fairness and transparency.

Teachers argue that such actions undermine merit-based appointments and erode trust in the district’s leadership.

At a press conference attended by representatives from the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT), school heads, and other education professionals, the educators accused Mr. Woyongo of fostering a culture of intimidation and mismanagement.

They further alleged that he abused government resources, including using the district’s official vehicle for personal errands, and made intimidating statements such as, "I am the owner of the district, nobody can do anything."

During an interview, Mr. Hilary Aniakwo, the Paga GNAT Local Chairman, reiterated these concerns, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the district’s administration.

The teachers are demanding Mr. Woyongo’s immediate removal, the reinstatement of demoted officials, and a transparent recruitment process for vacant positions.

The GES committee is expected to review the allegations and recommend appropriate actions.

Meanwhile, the teachers have warned that failure to address their grievances could lead to further agitation, arguing that Mr. Woyongo’s leadership undermines the district’s educational progress.

They expressed gratitude to media partners and teacher unions for their support, vowing to continue their fight for a fair and just educational environment.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Moses Apiah