The Colleges of Education Teachers’ Association of Ghana (CETAG) has called for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the death of Abdulai Issaka, a Science Lecturer at Gbewa College of Education, following an alleged encounter with military personnel.
CETAG, in a statement said it received with “profound sadness, shock, and grave concern” the news of Mr Issaka’s death, which reportedly occurred after an encounter with military personnel on Friday, September 11, 2026.
According to the Association, information reaching it alleges that Mr. Issaka was subjected to severe physical assault by military personnel after he was found outside during curfew hours, and that the alleged assault directly resulted in his death.
CETAG stressed that the allegation must be properly investigated, saying, “If substantiated, such conduct would constitute an egregious violation of the sanctity of human life and the fundamental rights of a citizen.”
“Being outside during curfew hours, irrespective of the circumstances, can never justify the beating of a person to death,” the Association added.
CETAG said it “unequivocally condemns the reported use of excessive and lethal force against Mr. Issaka” and described the circumstances surrounding his death as deeply disturbing.
“We call for an immediate, independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Issaka’s death,” CETAG said.
The Association wants the investigation to establish what happened before, during and after the alleged incident, identify the military personnel involved, determine the precise cause of death and ascertain whether unlawful conduct occurred.
It has also called on the Government of Ghana, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and other relevant state institutions to institute a thorough investigation.
CETAG said the process must be conducted independently, “without intimidation, interference, or protection of any individual on account of rank or position.”
The Association further demanded prosecution if the investigation establishes wrongdoing.
“Where the investigation establishes that military personnel or any other persons were responsible for unlawful acts leading to Mr. Issaka’s death, CETAG demands that the perpetrators be arrested, prosecuted, and brought to justice in accordance with the laws of Ghana,” it said.
“No person irrespective of position, uniform, or authority should be above the law,” CETAG added.
CETAG is also calling on the appropriate authorities to provide Mr. Issaka’s bereaved family with full disclosure regarding the circumstances of his death and ensure that the family receives all necessary support and assistance.
The Association has meanwhile appealed for calm among staff and students of Gbewa College of Education, who, it said, have lost a colleague and member of their academic community under “deeply distressing circumstances.”
It urged the Acting Principal, management, staff and students to remain calm and exercise restraint while the appropriate state institutions investigate the matter.
“We understand the anger, pain, and frustration that may accompany such a tragic loss; however, we urge all members of the College community to allow the investigative and judicial processes to take their course,” CETAG said.
The Association extended its deepest condolences to Mr Issaka’s family, colleagues and friends, describing the loss of the lecturer as a painful blow to the teaching profession, Gbewa College of Education and the nation.
CETAG said its message was clear, “We condemn brutality. We condemn the unlawful use of force. We demand a credible investigation. We demand accountability. We demand justice for Mr. Abdulai Issaka.”
It added that it would closely monitor developments and engage relevant state institutions to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Mr. Issaka’s death are neither ignored nor swept under the carpet.
