Tempane: Group, community members demand GES Director removal over sex-for-favors, extortion, victimization

The District Director of Education (GES) in the Tempane district of the Upper East Region, Tee Rasheed Anaffu, has come under fire from the Coalition of Concerned Youth and community members of Tempane for misconduct.

He has accused of abuse of authority, financial improprieties, erosion of public trust, unethical behavior, poor leadership, sex-for-favors, money extortion, and victimization, among other accusations.

These allegations were brought to light during a press conference held by the concerned youth group and community members in Tempane on Wednesday, May 22.

The Coalition demanded the immediate removal of Tee Rasheed Anaffu from his position by May 29, 2024.

Robert Awini Asaanbilla, the convener of the Coalition, warned that if the authorities do not act by the specified date, the group would organize a protest in Tempane to further demand Anaffu's removal.

In response to the allegations, Tee Rasheed Anaffu denied all claims, describing them as baseless. He explained that the transfers and demotions of certain teachers were justified, as they were found to be involved in corrupt practices. Anaffu emphasized that he has been actively fighting corruption since his appointment as the district director.

Anaffu also firmly denied his involvement in any sex scandals, labeling these claims as false.

Below is the full statement from the Coalition of Concerned Youth and community members:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COALITION OF CONCERNED YOUTH AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS DEMAND REMOVAL OF DISTRICT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION FOR MISCONDUCT AND POOR LEADERSHIP

Venue: Tempane, Date: 22^nd May, 2024,

Well-meaning citizens of Tempane, the media, ladies and gentlemen, a united coalition of concerned youth, community members, parents, educators, and students are calling for the immediate removal of the District Director of Education, Mr. Tee Rashid Anaffu, and some of his officers due to serious allegations of misconduct and ineffective leadership. Failure to heed to our call will proceed with a protest to be held on 29^th May, 2024 at 10:00am in front of the District Education Office.

The coalition’s demands follow a series of disturbing revelations about Mr. Tee Rashid Anaffu´s tenure for the past three (3) years, which we believe have severely undermined the quality of education and the overall trust in the district’s leadership. The core issues prompting this call for action include:

1. Abuse of Authority
There have been numerous instances where the Director has misused his authority to intimidate and coerce staff members, leading to a hostile work environment.

• Discrimination and Unfair Practices: Reports indicate discriminatory practices in the hiring, promotion, victimization and treatment of employees, which is detrimental to the morale and inclusivity of our schools
• Other incidents where the director has misused his power (e.g., unwarranted disciplinary actions, favouritism in hiring or promotions, unnecessary demotions or transfers).

2. Financial Improprieties
There are evidences of misappropriation of funds, unauthorized expenditures, extortions or any form of financial misconduct involving schools’ finances.

• Specific instance is the demand by the director for SPIPS of GH¢200.00 from each of the 47 GALOP schools amounting to GH¢9,400 for internal auditing purposes on the 16^th April, 2024.
• Failed to conduct examination sponsored by GES headquarters in 2022/2023 academic year termly.
• Extortions from parents of an amount of GH¢20.00 per each student for other examinations organized and supervised by the directorate because of financial benefits but uses printing machines and materials in the office provided by Government.
• Taking an amount of GH¢200.00 from 47 GALOP schools for transportation of books from regional education directorate to the district, meanwhile he used the office car and fuel.

2. Poor Leadership and Decision-Making

The Director's leadership has been characterized by arbitrary and detrimental decisions that have negatively impacted students, teachers, and the broader community. (e.g appointment and transfer of staff without due process)

4. Unethical Behavior:
Numerous reports suggest that the Director has engaged in unethical behavior, including the misuse of district resources and retaliation against staff who raise concerns. Also, there have been other reports of unethical conduct, such as discrimination, harassment, or violation of educational policies.

5. Erosion of Public Trust
The Director's actions have eroded confidence in the district’s administration, creating a climate of distrust and disillusionment among stakeholders.

“The current situation is unacceptable. Our children and community deserve leaders who uphold the highest standards of integrity and are committed to the success and safety of our teachers and students,” said Tempane Concerned Youth. “We are calling for Mr. Tee Rashid Anaffu and his allies to be removed from their positions immediately.” To allow sanity to prevail in the district directorate.

The coalition’s specific demands are as follows:

• The immediate removal of Mr. Tee Rashid Anaffu from the position of District Director of Education in the district and other officers as already stated.
• Appointment of an interim director to restore confidence and stability.
• An independent audit of the district’s administrative practices.
• Implementation of robust oversight mechanisms by DEOC to prevent future misconduct.

This protest is about ensuring that our district is led by individuals who are ethical, transparent, and focused on providing the best possible education for our children, said (Tempane Concerned Youth). “We demand change now to safeguard the future of our students and restore trust in our educational system.”

Contact:
(Awini Robert Asaanbilla)
(Coalition of Concerned Youth)
([email protected])
(0249326292)
(Tempane Concerned Youth)
(Coalition of Concerned Youth for Justice for Teachers in the Tempane District)