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Chaos has reportedly erupted at Asanco Model Basic School in the Amenfi West Municipality after a former headmaster allegedly refused to accept his transfer and hand over to his replacement.
The former headmaster, Isaac Enimil, popularly known as Lion, has reportedly been transferred, while Albert Yawson, known as Abass, has been introduced as the new headmaster.
However, according to information gathered, Mr. Enimil has refused to leave the school or hand over key school records.
The dispute escalated this week when education officers arrived at the school to intervene. Police were later called in to help calm the situation.
HOW DID IT GET HERE?
The latest incident follows years of reported tension at the school.
About two years ago, several teachers were transferred after being accused of insubordination. The teachers reportedly petitioned the authorities and alleged that their transfers were connected to disagreements with the headmaster.
They further alleged that they had been pressured to participate in activities they considered unacceptable, including alleged BECE malpractice, and complained about what they described as an authoritarian leadership style.
Other disagreements reportedly involved extra classes, teachers' welfare, the school canteen and the management of related resources.
According to information gathered, the disputes eventually led to the transfer of several teachers, with others later taking release from the school.
The continuing tensions were also alleged to have affected activities such as quizzes, debates, sports and cultural competitions, with concerns subsequently raised about the school's performance.
THE NEW HEADMASTER ARRIVES
When school reopened, the District Director, Mrs Elizabeth Emefa Fiagome, reportedly introduced Albert Yawson as the new headmaster.
The former headmaster allegedly refused to recognise the new arrangement and declined to hand over the attendance register and logbook.
Some teachers reportedly had to use an exercise book to record attendance, while others continued signing the original register.
The former headmaster also allegedly continued occupying the headmaster's office.
The District Director later introduced the new headmaster to the pupils and informed them that the former headmaster was no longer in charge.
THEN THE ADMISSION DISPUTE ERUPTED
Things reportedly took another turn this week when admission of new pupils began.
Both men were reportedly at the school. According to information gathered, the former headmaster allegedly approached parents and told them that he was still the headmaster, creating confusion over who was actually in charge.
Education officers were subsequently called to intervene.
During the confrontation, which was captured in a viral video, the former headmaster was reportedly seen angrily explaining his position to the officers in the presence of parents.
The situation escalated further when sample assessment questions being used by the new administration were reportedly taken from an education officer and torn.
The police were then called to the school to help de-escalate the situation.
The matter remains unfolding, and the hope is that the dispute will be resolved quickly so that teaching, learning and the admission process can continue without further disruption.
This is a developing story.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE