The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has demanded immediate bail for a teacher arrested over a viral altercation with a student, while distancing itself from the alleged misconduct.

District chairman Amos Owusu said the union does not condone illegal behaviour but insists the teacher deserves due process.

“We don’t support illegality, but the teacher must be granted bail,” he said on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday (10 June).

Owusu explained that the incident was triggered by earlier tensions involving students allegedly assaulting the teacher after he confiscated prohibited items, including mobile phones and laptops.

He said subsequent disciplinary actions escalated tensions, culminating in the confrontation captured on video.

GNAT had initially threatened to boycott teaching and invigilation but later scaled back its protest to symbolic action, with teachers wearing red in solidarity.

Owusu also raised broader concerns about teacher safety.

“We have seen instances where teachers are beaten by students… Should we allow this to continue?” he asked.

He called for a national policy framework involving the Education Ministry, the Ghana Education Service and teacher unions to address student conduct and school safety.