Arafat Claims Lab Incident Was Accidental

Yaseer Arafat, a former teacher at Bole Senior High School, has broken his silence following a nationwide police search, claiming that the laboratory incident that led to his dismissal was accidental.

In a video circulating on social media, Arafat addressed the controversy for the first time after weeks of public silence. The former Physics and Chemistry teacher, who is currently the subject of an ongoing police manhunt, admitted that his actions were wrong but insisted that the events were not intentional.

The Nature of the Incident

The controversy stems from a viral video that allegedly captured inappropriate conduct between Arafat and a student inside the school’s science laboratory. While the incident has drawn sharp condemnation from government officials, Arafat offered his own account in the recent video, stating, "It was an accident and not intentional. They’ve completed school, and I said I’m going to the science lab to take something, and the unthinkable happened."

Arafat expressed remorse for the situation, stating that he understands the consequences of his actions. He issued an apology to the public and pleaded for leniency, suggesting he would be willing to accept a teaching position in a remote village if given another opportunity.

Government Response and Legal Status

The Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) have taken significant disciplinary steps since the video emerged. The GES has interdicted Arafat and suspended his salary pending the outcome of the investigation.

Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu has publicly condemned the incident, labeling it “unacceptable and shameful.” Speaking at the 2026 GALOP National School Awards on July 9, 2026, the Minister urged the Ghana Police Service to expedite their efforts to locate and prosecute Arafat to serve as a deterrent to others.

"The incident in Bole is unacceptable and shameful. So, the Police, we are watching you and how you proceed with the investigation and how you go further to prosecution to deter that unacceptable behaviour and conduct of a teacher," Iddrisu said.

Reports indicate that Arafat may have fled to neighboring border communities following the incident. Additionally, the Ministry of Education has appealed to the public for assistance in tracking him down, citing allegations of misconduct involving multiple students.

Ongoing Investigations and Public Debate

While Arafat has acknowledged his wrongdoing and appealed for mercy, his current whereabouts remain unconfirmed. It is unclear if he has surrendered to law enforcement authorities.

The public release of his apology video has sparked intense debate online, with social media users divided over whether he deserves a second chance after admitting to professional misconduct.

The following timeline and summary reflect the current status of the case as reported by official sources:

Action / Status	Details
Employment Status	Interdicted by the Ghana Education Service (GES)
Salary Status	Suspended by the GES
Legal Status	Wanted by the Ghana Police Service
Allegations	Inappropriate conduct with a student in a school laboratory
Current Stance	Arafat claims the incident was "accidental" and "not intentional"

As the investigation continues, the Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining professional ethics and discipline within the sector. The Ministry has directed the GES to enforce firm sanctions against any staff or students found to be in breach of these standards. The public and various Members of Parliament continue to monitor the police investigation closely, awaiting further developments regarding potential legal proceedings.

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