The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) is facing a critical legal test following allegations of contempt of court arising from its decision to proceed with its National Officers’ Election while an injunction application was pending before the court.
Mr. Charles Kwabena Amponsah, a presidential aspirant, filed an application for an injunction seeking to restrain GNAT from organising the election. Court documents indicate that the Association, cited as the 1st Defendant, was served with the application on 29 December 2025, while Rev. Isaac Owusu and Mr. Thomas Musah, the 2nd and 3rd Defendants respectively, were served on 31 December 2025.
Despite the pending court process, GNAT proceeded to hold the National Officers’ Election on 7 January 2026, coinciding with Ghana’s Constitutional Day. The election resulted in the declaration of Mr. Prosper Tachie as National President, amid concerns over the selection of delegates and the unresolved legal action.
Further controversy arose during the elections when Mr. Mahmoud Issah Zakary, cited as the 4th Defendant, was reportedly served with court processes at the venue. Accounts indicate that the writ was allegedly discarded and stepped on by voters, an act that has been cited as potential disrespect to the authority of the court.
Legal analysts note that the determination of contempt will depend on whether a valid interim injunction or restraining order was in force at the time of the election, as well as whether the defendants had prior knowledge of the court proceedings and wilfully acted in defiance of the court.
The court is expected to address these issues at a scheduled hearing on 15 January 2026. The outcome will be crucial in determining not only the liability of the defendants for contempt but also the legal credibility and validity of the GNAT National Officers’ Election.