Tensions have reached a boiling point in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region as educators and stakeholders demand the immediate removal of the District Director of Education, Mr. George Bebuba Woyongo, over allegations of abuse of power and administrative misconduct.
In response to the growing unrest, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has instructed Mr. Woyongo to take leave while an investigation is conducted into the accusations against him.
At the heart of the controversy are claims that Mr. Woyongo arbitrarily demoted four headteachers and a District Statistics Officer without proper justification, creating an atmosphere of fear among education staff.
Critics have also taken issue with his controversial appointment of Mr. Gerald Awozare to serve simultaneously as the District Training Officer and District Budget Officer, a move they say creates a clear conflict of interest.
Additionally, he is accused of bypassing standard recruitment processes by handpicking circuit supervisors without publicly advertising the positions—raising concerns about nepotism and lack of transparency.
The backlash against Mr. Woyongo gained momentum at a press conference organized by teacher unions, including:
- Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT)
- National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT)
- Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT)
- School heads and other education stakeholders
Speakers at the event painted a picture of poor leadership, intimidation, and mismanagement, with some teachers citing threatening statements allegedly made by Mr. Woyongo, such as, “I am the owner of the district, nobody can do anything.”
Additionally, he is accused of misusing government resources, including the district’s official vehicle for personal errands.
The GES has set up a committee to review the allegations and make recommendations on the way forward.
Meanwhile, the teachers have issued a warning that if their demands are ignored, they will escalate their protests. Their key demands include:
- The permanent removal of Mr. Woyongo
- The reinstatement of demoted officials
- A transparent and merit-based recruitment process for all vacant positions
Educators and union representatives say their fight is not just about personnel changes but about ensuring fairness, accountability, and quality leadership in the district’s education sector.
They also expressed appreciation to media partners and teacher unions for amplifying their concerns and vowed to keep pushing for reforms until justice is served.
