Twenty teachers in Kasunya in the Dangme West District of Greater Accra have deserted their posts following factional fighting on Saturday in the town. A gun battle erupted between two factions of the Otutoto family who have installed rival chiefs and usually clash anytime either of the parties plan to outdoor their chief. The teachers, who have vowed not to return to post, were caught up in a gun battle between two factions and were only rescued after a distress call to the police. This action of the teachers meant pupils of two schools, the Kasunya Roman Catholic Primary school and the District Assembly (D/A) Junior High school will be without teachers for the period the teachers would be away. One of the teachers, John Nutor, told the Ghanaian Times that as a result of the dispute the factions had both brought in armed men who were terrorizing them in the town. According to him, he was nearly butchered on Friday, when two unknown men, armed carrying machetes and clubs confronted him and demanded to know which faction he belonged. He said no amount of explanation could convince them that he was a teacher in the community and had to struggle with them before escaping. “We cannot continue to put our lives in danger when the communities do not see the need to co-exist,” he added. Meanwhile the District Education Directorate after a marathon meeting with the affected teachers on Monday had directed the Assistant Director in-change of Basic Schools, the circuit supervisor, and the District GNAT secretary to investigate the claim by the teachers towards finding a solution to the problem. The Akuse District Police Commander, ASP Douglas Kumah, when contacted confirmed the incident but expressed shock at the teachers decision, saying apart from the Saturday’s misunderstanding the town is now peaceful with everyone going about their normal duties. “The place is now peaceful, there is no threat to life and property in the area,” he assured. ASP Kumah stated that the police now undertake daily night patrols to ensure that no one breaches the peace. He appealed to the teachers to rescind their decision and return to the classroom as they were doing everything possible to ensure that peace was maintained in the area. ASP Kumah warned the factions against breaking the law since anyone caught would not be spared.