GES clarifies circular does not silence teachers or ban protests

A GES circular about teacher absenteeism got read as a gag order, and management had to publicly walk back the optics.

GES denies circular targets teacher free speech

• The Ghana Education Service issued a clarification on March 13.
• Critics interpreted a March 9 directive as a media ban.
• Munawaru Issahaque signed the original internal circular.
• Public backlash forced the explicit denial pretty quickly.

The original directive flagged media visits as absenteeism

• Teachers leaving posts during school hours drew the warning.
• Visiting the headquarters or engaging the media could trigger discipline.
• Regional Directors were told to log absenteeism strictly.
• The service code of conduct was cited as the legal basis.

GES insists constitutional rights remain untouched

• Management says demonstrations and free expression are still protected.
• The directive allegedly just reinforces decades-old administrative channels.
• Concerns should escalate from the school level through the district first.
• Regional Directorates handle issues before they reach headquarters.