Ms Ayishetu Ibrahim, appointed Headmistress of Wa School for the Blind last year, has not assumed her post, despite the official letter given to her by the Ghana Education Service (GES).

Ms Ibrahim, a blind Muslim woman, was to assume responsibility as head of the school on February 1, 2013, forcing the Wa Municipal Director of Education to exercise oversight responsibility.

Mr Alhassan Suleiman, Municipal Director of Education, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Friday alleged: “The Methodist church resisted her appointment because she is not one of their members, so I am now having oversight responsibility till a substantive head is appointed.”

The GES gave Ms Ibrahim appointment letter in January 18, 2013, which was signed by Mr Iddrisu Mahama, Upper West Regional Director of Education.

It stated, inter alia that: “I am happy to inform you that as a result of your success in the interview conducted for the post of headmistress, Wa School for the Blind - Wa, you have been appointed as the substantive headmistress with effect from February 1, 2013.”

Ms Ibrahim, who holds Masters in Educational Administration and Management from the University of Education, Winneba said though she feels “extremely embarrassed” she is going about her normal duties.

Following the delay in allowing the appointee to assume official duty, the Ghana Blind Union (GBU) petitioned the Director-General of Education many times to allow the woman to start work.

Dr Peter K. Obeng, President of the GBU said in a letter to the GES Director-General that the union was worried about the long delay, “in spite of the fact that this individual went through the entire procedure and was selected as the best person for the job”.

He added: “We crave your indulgence not to sacrifice quality and fairness in making the best choice for the school.”

Attempts by the GNA to speak to officials at the GES in Accra on many occasions proved unsuccessful.

However, a GES top official, who spoke on condition of anonymity on Friday blamed the educational governing body for committing “inexcusable mistakes and slips” leading to payment of colossal sums of money to aggrieved persons.

He said: “This is a complete victimization and violation of the woman’s right,” and advised Ms Ibrahim to head to the law court for redress.

Diocesan Administrator of the Methodist Church, Rev Eric Asante-Danquah told the GNA on Friday that though the school is under the care of the mission, he could not speak on the issue because “it has not come to his table”.