Report Sexual Misconduct in Schools, Apaak Tells Teachers

Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Abas Apaak has cautioned teachers against sexually abusing students, calling on them to respect professional limits and to speak out when they see wrongdoing by colleagues.

He was speaking on Saturday at a ceremony marking 60 years of St. Martin's Senior High School at Adoagyiri-Nsawam, as first reported by Graphic Online. Dr Apaak attended the event on behalf of the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah.

According to the report, the deputy minister said any claim that a teacher has sexually abused a student must be handled with full seriousness, so that those affected receive protection and support.

He reminded teachers that their role places them in a position of trust and that they are responsible for the wellbeing of the students in their care.

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Dr Apaak praised the dedication of most teachers but warned that those who misuse their position would not be permitted to damage the reputation of the profession.

"The overwhelming majority of you honour that trust, and we thank you. But those who betray it do not deserve the name teacher," he said.

He called on teachers to conduct themselves responsibly, keep appropriate distance in their dealings with students, and report any misconduct they come across. "Silence protects the abuser, not the child," he warned.

The deputy minister also addressed students directly, encouraging them to raise concerns when they suffer or observe inappropriate behaviour, and assured them they would be taken seriously.

"To students: speak up. You will be believed, and you will be protected," he said.

Dr Apaak said the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service would keep enforcing the code of conduct for teachers and would punish those found to have broken its rules.

He added that schools must be places where children can learn safely, free from the fear of abuse.