A teacher at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School in the Ashanti Region has been taken into custody after a viral video showed the assault of a female student, triggering public outrage and renewed concern over discipline in schools.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Eric Buernortey Apaflo, was arrested by a patrol team from the Nyinahini District Police Command on June 8, 2026, at about 7:00pm. The arrest followed reports linked to the disturbing footage that circulated widely on social media.
The victim has been named as 18-year-old Patience Chibu, a student of the same school.
According to a statement issued by Assistant Superintendent of Police Augustine Antiwi of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, preliminary findings suggest the incident stemmed from a confrontation involving the suspect, who also serves as a hostel caretaker, and some male students over alleged misconduct within the hostel.
What began as a disciplinary confrontation reportedly escalated after a misunderstanding, leading to the teacher physically assaulting the student.
Footage from the incident shows the teacher striking the student repeatedly before allegedly lifting and throwing her to the ground, while bystanders can be heard appealing for him to stop and reminding him that she was a girl.
Following the circulation of the video, tensions reportedly rose within the school community. Some students are said to have retaliated by throwing stones at the suspect and calling in youths from the surrounding town to the hostel in what appeared to be a planned attack.
The situation was eventually contained after the swift intervention of the Ghana Police Service patrol team.
Authorities have since issued a Police Medical Report Form to the victim for examination and treatment, while the suspect remains in custody assisting investigators.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has urged the public to remain calm and to rely on lawful channels in addressing disputes, warning against acts of retaliation or mob response.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service confirmed the arrest earlier and indicated that the Ashanti Regional Education Directorate had begun investigations into the matter. The service later clarified that both the teacher and the student had undergone medical examination.
So far, no additional disciplinary measures have been announced against the teacher, who remains in custody as investigations continue.
The incident has reignited national conversations about violence in schools, with growing calls for stronger safeguarding systems and clearer conflict-resolution protocols between staff and students. Child rights advocates have also renewed pressure on authorities to impose stricter penalties on educators who resort to physical force.
Police say investigations are ongoing, with the suspect expected to be arraigned in court once the case file is completed.
The situation was, however, brought under control through the timely intervention of the police patrol team.
A Police Medical Report Form has been issued to the victim for medical examination and treatment, while the suspect remains in police custody assisting with investigations.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command urged the public to remain calm and use lawful and peaceful means in resolving grievances and disputes.
The Ghana Education Service had earlier confirmed the arrest of the teacher and announced that the Ashanti Regional Education Directorate was investigating the matter. The service later updated that the student had also been arrested, and both were undergoing medical examination.
The Ghana Education Service has not yet announced any additional disciplinary action against the teacher, who remains in police custody pending further investigations.
The case has reignited discussions about violence in schools and the need for clear protocols for conflict resolution between staff and students. Child rights advocates have called for stronger protections for students and tougher sanctions for educators who resort to physical violence.
The police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all necessary legal procedures will be followed to ensure justice is served. The suspect is expected to be arraigned before court once investigations are completed.
Read the statement below.
