Labone SHS House Master ‘Detained’ Student In His Office For Hours

…No Food, No Water; Angry Family Petitions GES, Education Ministry for Probe

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has been petitioned to investigate an alleged physical assault on a final year student, Master Abraham Sambou, at Labone Senior High School (SHS) in Accra, by the senior house master of the school, Mr Eric Agyemang, also known as “Power.”

A formal petition by Sambou’s family addressed to the Director General of GES, alleges that on Tuesday June 18, 2024, the senior house master, slapped their ward after he was falsely accused by the school prefect, Blessing Elisha Nyamekye, of using a mobile phone and refusing to hand it over.

But Sambou, who denied the allegations, was subsequently prevented from attending classes and detained in the senior house master’s office for hours without food or water until 2 pm, when his family arrived to meet with the school management.

The petition, sighted by The Anchor, dated June 22, 2024, further revealed that, following the incident, Sambou, who was traumatized, was indefinitely expelled from the boarding house without due process.

This expulsion, the petition noted, poses significant challenges for the family, as Sambou, would have to commute daily from Kasoa in the Central Region to Labone in Accra.

The family, expressed deep concern over the mistreatment of Sambou, who is in his final year and preparing for the WASSCE.

They report that Sambou, has been experiencing severe headaches and pain in his left ear and left eye, necessitating treatment at the Amanfro Polyclinic.

The petition, highlights that during a meeting with the school’s management, Mr Agyemang, admitted to slapping Sambou, he justified his actions by claiming Sambou lied about his father’s availability.

The headmistress, Mrs. Rejoice Aku Acorlor, allegedly supported Mr Agyemang’s actions and stated that she would have acted even more harshly.

“When we visited the school to address the issue, Mr Agyemang, admitted to slapping Master Sambou. Mrs. Rejoice Aku Acorlor, brazenly supported Mr Agyemang’s actions and stated that she would have acted even more harshly on my ward and hitting him with her shoes. She also mentioned that if the incident had occurred before the registration for the WASSCE, she would have ensured Master Sambou was not registered for the exam,” excerpts of the three-page petition said.

The family, also raised concerns about a photograph on Mr Agyemang’s WhatsApp profile, showing him holding a gun, questioning his suitability as a peer educator and role model for students.

They cited this as further evidence of his intimidating demeanor and unsuitability for a supervisory role in an educational setting.

The family, has called for the GES and Ministry of Education to conduct a full and impartial investigation into the incident, revoke Sambou’s unwarranted expulsion, hold Mr Agyemang accountable for his actions, and monitor the conduct of Mrs. Acorlor to ensure the fair treatment of students.

They also expressed concerns about Mr Agyemang’s continued physical abuse and unjust treatment of students, citing reports of his alleged involvement in other incidents of physical punishment and intimidation.

The petition, emphasized the need for swift action to protect students’ rights and ensure a safe and conducive learning environment at Labone Senior High School.

Management of the school is yet to officially comment on the matter, as at the time of going to press last night. GES, has also not reacted on the development, even though the Ministry of Education, has acknowledged receipt of the petition.

Source: Anchorghana.com