Tensions have escalated in the Kassena Nankana West District of the Upper East Region as hundreds of teachers took to the streets in the district capital, Paga, demanding the immediate removal of the District Education Director, George Woyongo.
The teachers accuse him of misconduct, incompetence, and abuse of office, threatening to embark on a strike if their concerns are not addressed.
The protesting teachers, who marched through the principal streets of Paga before gathering at the District Education Office, alleged that Woyongo has been engaging in arbitrary promotions, demotions, and disciplinary actions without due process.
“Our director is a tyrant. Our director is a god who must not be entertained, who must not be left to destroy the district for us. As we are speaking, the very teachers’ unions in the district are not having a good relationship with the director. How can we have better education for our children?”
Leader of the agrieved Workers – Protesters
The teachers insist that unless Woyongo is removed from office immediately, they will abandon their classrooms. According to them, if he remains in office for another week, they will extend their strike action to two weeks, increasing the duration of their protest until he is removed.
The demonstrators also accused the district director of using his position for personal gain. Among the allegations was the claim that Mr. Woyongo was misusing official state vehicles for private business ventures, including transporting and distributing sachet water for personal profit.
These allegations have further fueled the discontent among the teaching fraternity, reinforcing their resolve to ensure his removal.
Protest Conducted Peacefully
Despite the anger and frustration of the teachers, the demonstration was largely peaceful. Protesters initially attempted to lock up the District Education Office, but their leaders intervened to maintain order.
The protesters carried out their protest peacefully. But then, when they got to the premises of the education office, they wanted to lock up the place.
However, the leadership of the protesters was able to calm the situation. They called them to order and asked that no one should go beyond the doors of the building.
The demonstration ended without any violent incidents, and the teachers dispersed after delivering their message.
Efforts to get a response from the embattled District Education Director have so far proven futile. Reports indicate that Woyongo was advised to leave the premises to avoid a potential confrontation with the protesters.
Security personnel, including the police, were deployed to ensure that the protest did not escalate into violence. Their presence reportedly helped to maintain calm and prevent any acts of vandalism.
Teachers Vow to Strike If Demands Are Not Met
The teachers made it clear that they are prepared to escalate their protest if authorities fail to act swiftly.
“We are in the 21st century, and solidarity will never be shown only at the graveyard, but at our various workplaces. When any of us is being intimidated or maltreated, we have to move to show solidarity.”
“Today, we are showing solidarity to our brother and our sister, who were demoted. Their colleagues have been reinstated, but they have been left behind. We are all here because of our brother and sister. Touch one, touch all.”
Leader of the agrieved Workers – Protesters
The teachers insist that until their grievances are addressed, they will not return to the classroom.
The situation in the Kassena Nankana West District remains tense as the protesting teachers await a response from education authorities.
With the threat of a prolonged strike looming, stakeholders in the education sector will need to act swiftly to prevent disruptions to academic activities in the district. Meanwhile, the fate of District Education Director George Woyongo hangs in the balance as calls for his removal intensify.
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