The Ghana Education Service (GES) has once again reminded teachers and the public of its zero tolerance for sexual misconduct in schools after interdicting a teacher at Okadjakrom Senior High Technical School in the Oti Region for alleged sexual misconduct with a female student.
This disturbing case, now under investigation, is a painful reminder of the trust society places in teachers — and how devastating it is when that trust is broken.
Schools are meant to be safe havens, not spaces of exploitation. Teachers are entrusted with nurturing students, protecting their dignity, and guiding them into the future. Sexual relations between teachers and students are not only unethical and unprofessional — they are exploitative, harmful, and in many cases, criminal.
Students, particularly minors, are not in a position to give meaningful consent. The imbalance of power between teacher and student means such relationships can never be free, fair, or healthy. Instead, they destroy lives, compromise education, and betray the sacred bond of trust between educators and learners.
As GES rightly stated, the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of students must remain a top priority. No teacher who violates this trust should be allowed to remain in the classroom. The law and the GES Code of Conduct must take their full course.
We therefore call on:
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Teachers: Uphold the highest standards of professionalism. Protect your students as you would your own children.
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School authorities: Strengthen monitoring systems and create safe channels for students to report abuse without fear.
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Parents and communities: Stay engaged in the lives of your children and support them to speak out if they feel unsafe.
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Government and GES: Ensure swift investigations, strong accountability, and continuous education for teachers on safeguarding.
Every child in Ghana deserves a safe education, free from fear and exploitation. Let us remember: teachers are meant to shape futures, not shatter them.
