BREAKING: GES Reinstates Teacher Kwadwo After 2021 Dismissal

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The Ghana Education Service (GES) has reinstated Michael Owusu Afriyie, better known as Teacher Kwadwo, four years after his controversial removal from the classroom. His return has quickly become a talking point across educational and social circles, with many seeing it as a win for fairness, accountability, and free expression in Ghana’s schools.

The 2021 Dismissal

Teacher Kwadwo’s dismissal in December 2021 remains one of the most memorable education stories of the past decade. 

A comedian as well as a teacher, he built a wide following by using skits and social media to call attention to problems in the education system. 

His posts highlighted issues such as poor school infrastructure, shortages of learning materials, and what he often described as neglect of teachers’ welfare.

While his commentaries won him fans among the public and fellow educators, they also drew criticism from officials. GES said at the time that his dismissal was due to professional misconduct. Reports claimed he had failed to prepare lesson notes consistently and had occasionally skipped official duties.

But many observers suspected the real reason had more to do with his outspoken criticism of the system than with his classroom performance. 

To his supporters, his removal came to symbolize how institutions sometimes deal with those who speak too freely.

Why GES Brought Him Back

Now, in 2025, the service has reversed course. GES has restored him to active duty, though a detailed statement explaining the decision has not yet been made public.

Education analysts point to several possible factors. Public pressure appears to have played a role, as teacher unions, civil society groups, and many ordinary Ghanaians had long argued that his dismissal was unjust. 

Some have also suggested that the service may be recognizing the value of his unconventional style. By blending humor with digital content, Teacher Kwadwo managed to reach younger audiences and keep education issues in the spotlight. 

In a time when student engagement is an ongoing challenge, his approach may be harder to dismiss than it was in 2021.

The decision to reinstate him may also be an attempt by GES to show that it can respond positively to criticism rather than silencing it. If so, it represents a subtle but important shift in the relationship between the service and its teachers.

Public Reaction and the Road Ahead

News of his return has spread quickly online, where reactions have been largely celebratory. Many see the move as a long-overdue correction of what they considered an injustice. 

Teacher unions and education advocates have welcomed the development, describing it as a positive signal that educators can raise concerns without fear of retribution.

For Teacher Kwadwo himself, the reinstatement brings both opportunities and responsibilities. He now faces the task of balancing his public activism with his duties in the classroom. 

Supporters hope his return will spark renewed conversations about reform, accountability, and teacher welfare. Others will be watching closely to see how he navigates the tension between speaking out and working within the very system he has criticized so strongly.

Whatever the next steps, one thing is clear: Teacher Kwadwo’s reinstatement has gone beyond a personal victory. It has reignited national debate about education, the place of dissent in public service, and how Ghana can better support both its teachers and its students.

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