The Headteacher of Padmore Street Primary School in Tema in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, Helen Abrokwa, was on December 4, 2007 reinstated ten weeks after she was allegedly transferred for granting interview to the media about low enrollment in her school.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) reported that the letter which communicated the decision to Ms. Abrokwa denied the allegations that she was transferred for the interview she granted the media.
On November 29, the Ghana Education Service (GES) in a letter signed by its Director General, Samuel Bannerman-Mensah, said Ms.Abrokwa was transferred because of “several previous warnings and adverse findings against her in the log book”.
According to the GES, the decision to reinstate Ms. Abrokwa followed a report by a Committee of Inquiry it set up to look into the matter.
On September 18, the GES ordered Ms. Abrokwa, who had had more than 30 years experience in teaching to leave her administrative position and resume classroom work, a week after which granted an interview to the media.
This incident followed an earlier threat to James Okaija Dinsey, Greater Accra Regional Director of Education, for peaking to the media.
Following the action, there was widespread condemnation from concerned Ghanaians and called for the GES to rescind its decision. On November 15, colleagues of Ms. Abrokwa took to the streets and threatened indefinite strike in solidarity with her.
Prof. Kwame Karikari
Executive Director
MFWA
Tel: 233 21 242470
Fax: 233 21 221084
Email : [email protected]
Website : www.mediafound.org