GNAT declares, "We shall join the strike," in response to reports of a military attack on educators Tarkwa Nsuaem.

 GNAT declares, "We shall join the strike," in response to reports of a military attack on educators Tarkwa Nsuaem.

Following the reported attack on teachers by military forces in Tarkwa Nsuaem in the Western Region, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has warned of a potential statewide strike, causing tension in Ghana's education system.

With pressure mounting on GNAT's leadership to declare a nationwide industrial action in solidarity with impacted educators, what started out as a local demonstration by irate teachers in the Tarkwa enclave is quickly developing into a national labor crisis.

According to reports, over 200,000 educators nationwide are calling on GNAT General Secretary Thomas Tanko Musah to act quickly in response to what they see as a dangerous and embarrassing attack on their peers.

In an exclusive interview with Labour Affairs Correspondent Daniel Opoku in Accra on May 26, Mr. Tanko Musah stated that GNAT's national leadership is getting ready to move decisively if authorities don't say anything.

He claims that teachers in Tarkwa Nsuaem have already put down their tools, accusing the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service (GES), and the government of failing to effectively respond to the situation and protect teachers.

More than 300,000 instructors are reportedly extremely agitated by what they perceive to be duty bearers' indifference, which has caused rage and dissatisfaction among the teaching community nationally.

Mr. Tanko Musah was clearly disappointed.

"We believe that is not the right course of action if the employer is present and the individuals who have been employed are being beaten and you are not speaking. That is sheer irresponsibility," he said.

Additionally, he exhorted Western Region educators to continue their protests until justice is done.

"We applaud them since they have announced a strike in Tarkwa and are not attending classes. And the region should take it up if we don't hear anything by this weekend. He emphasized that until this issue is resolved, they shouldn't give up.

Since then, GNAT has instructed Tarkwa Nsuaem teachers to take their industrial action to the regional level. Many people think this could be the first step toward a statewide strike in the near future.

Days after the alleged attack, the Ghana Education Service and other pertinent parties have failed to make a public statement on the subject; this silence seems to be escalating tensions in the education sector.

Mr. Tanko Musah cautioned that if authorities do not move quickly, GNAT might be forced to use all of its industrial power.

According to Section 119 of the Labour Act, they are required by law to withdraw themselves if your life is in risk. He cautioned, "What we are saying is that if duty bearers don't say anything, we will also join in the coming days."

There might still be a chance for conversation, though.

The Western Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service is anticipated to meet with the irate teachers on Wednesday, May 27, in an effort to break the deadlock before it turns into a statewide school shutdown, sources close to the matter told the news team.