The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Apaak, has called for sanctions to be imposed on both the teacher and the student in the Bole Senior High School sexual misconduct video.
Dr Apaak stressed that all parties must be held accountable under the rules governing Ghana’s education system.
He disclosed that the Ghana Education Service (GES) had acted appropriately by condemning the incident and launching investigations into the sexual misconduct case.
The Deputy Minister for Education noted that the teachers bear a greater professional responsibility because of their position of authority but added that students also have an obligation to avoid situations that make them vulnerable to exploitation and to report inappropriate advances.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, June 20, Dr Apaak stated, “The Ghana Education Service has condemned it, and investigations are ongoing, and we expect that the sanctions will be applied for both the teacher and student because the student ought not to put herself in that situation to be exploited by the teacher, and the student also has the mandate to report because we have systems as and when teachers make advances”.
He added, “Within the context of our code, they are both culpable. They are culpable in this sense. The teacher has the responsibility to act professionally and, by the code of conduct, is prohibited from having any knowledge or exhibiting conduct that suggests amorous intent, as the role is to teach and to act in a way analogous to a parent.
“So it is assumed to be your responsibility as a parent to treat them as you will treat your kids. You are expected to protect them and to ensure that they are not put in situations that will endanger them physically, emotionally and spiritually,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has interdicted a teacher at Bole Senior High School in the Savannah Region following the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing sexual misconduct involving the teacher and a student.
According to the GES, management has initiated investigations into the matter pending the outcome of the investigations.
The GES statement signed by Daniel Fenyi, the Head of Public Relations, read, “Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has become aware of a disturbing video of an alleged sexual misconduct circulating on social media involving a teacher and a student of Bole Senior High School in the Savannah Region.
Management has initiated investigations into the matter. Pending the outcome of the investigations, Management directs that the teacher be interdicted in accordance with GES rules and regulations.
Management strongly condemns all forms of amorous relationships between teachers and students. The Service reiterates its zero-tolerance towards sexual misconduct and cautions all staff to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics and conduct at all times,
Management remains committed to ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of all students within the educational system. Appropriate disciplinary and legal action will be taker against any individual found culpable
The public is assured that the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness. Further updates, where necessary, might be provided as investigations progress”.
The statement follows a viral video of a science teacher at Bole Senior High School in the Savannah Region who was reportedly caught on video engaging in sexual activity with a final-year student in a school.
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