Kassena-Nankana West's Education Director ordered to proceed on leave amid allegations of misconduct

Tensions are rising in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region as teachers and education stakeholders demand the immediate removal of the District Director of Education, Mr. George Bebuba Woyongo, over allegations of misconduct and administrative malpractice.

Amid mounting pressure, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has instructed Mr. Woyongo to take leave while investigations into the allegations unfold.

The disgruntled teachers accuse him of arbitrarily demoting four headteachers and the District Statistics Officer without following due process, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among staff.

They also criticized his decision to appoint Mr. Gerald Awozare—allegedly his preferred candidate—to two key roles as District Training Officer and District Budget Officer, calling it a clear conflict of interest.

Further allegations include the selective appointment of circuit supervisors without public advertisement, a move teachers argue undermines merit-based recruitment and weakens trust in the district’s leadership.

At a press conference attended by members of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT), school heads, and other education professionals, the educators accused Mr. Woyongo of fostering a culture of intimidation and mismanagement.

They also alleged that he misused government resources, including using the district’s official vehicle for personal errands, and made statements such as, "I am the owner of the district, nobody can do anything."

Mr. Hilary Aniakwo, the Paga GNAT Local Chairman, reiterated these concerns in an interview, stressing the need for accountability and transparency in district administration.

The teachers are demanding Mr. Woyongo’s immediate removal, the reinstatement of demoted officials, and a fair and transparent recruitment process for all vacancies.

A GES committee has been tasked with reviewing the allegations and recommending appropriate actions.

Meanwhile, the teachers have warned of further agitation if their concerns are not addressed, arguing that Mr. Woyongo’s leadership is undermining educational progress in the district.

They expressed appreciation to media partners and teacher unions for their support and vowed to continue pushing for a just and equitable educational system.