Teachers boycott classes after headteacher’s death amid alleged curse claims in Kobedi

Teachers at Kobedi AME Zion Primary and JHS in the Sunyani West Municipality, Bono Region, have launched an indefinite boycott following the sudden deaths of the school’s headteacher and another staff member, amid local claims that an alleged curse invoked by a pupil may have played a role.

The headteacher, Madam Gladys Dorlo Batinge, and a colleague reportedly died under sudden circumstances, prompting fear and tension across the school community. The boycott, which began on Monday, May 18, 2026, has left pupils stranded; many were seen roaming the community during school hours while classrooms remained locked.

A visit to Kobedi, near Chiraa, found the school compound deserted, with no teachers or pupils on site. Some residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the deaths were linked to an alleged curse said to have been invoked by a student after accusations that school authorities had been extorting pupils.

One community member said local beliefs about the deity associated with the alleged curse had intensified staff fears and influenced their decision to stay away from the school. A teacher at the school confirmed that staff had collectively agreed not to return to the classroom until the alleged curse is revoked, effectively halting academic activity in the area.

The situation has raised concern among parents and residents, who are calling for swift investigations and reassurance from education and traditional authorities to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of pupils and staff.