GNAT President dismisses endorsing sexual harassment in schools
The President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Reverend Isaac Owusu, has stated that his recent remarks regarding teacher-student relationships have been misinterpreted.
His clarification follows comments made by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, who labelled his earlier statements as ‘inappropriate’ and suggested they could be perceived as endorsing sexual harassment.
Reverend Owusu had recommended that teachers refrain from engaging in romantic relationships with students and instead pursue relationships with other adults.
During the inauguration of the Dr. Leonard Kaledzi Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence Education in Anloga on Tuesday, October 7, the Minister remarked, ‘We will penalise any teacher found engaging in any compromising behaviour with a female student, as it jeopardises safety and learning within the educational environment.’
He further stated, ‘The comments made by the GNAT President, who suggested that male teachers seeking sexual relationships should do so with female teachers, remind him that even this would constitute sexual harassment, as it violates the teaching code of conduct.’
However, speaking in an interview, the GNAT President emphasised that he does not support sexual misconduct in educational institutions and has never advocated for workplace sexual harassment, asserting that his remarks were taken out of context.
“I’m not saying teachers should go and have sex with their female colleagues at work. What I mean is, if you are an adult and want a relationship that could lead to marriage, find a fellow adult. How will I, as a union leader, encourage sexual harassment?” he quizzed.
He also stated that GNAT unequivocally condemns any form of sexual misconduct within schools.
Reverend Owusu further questioned whether workplace relationships between adult colleagues are prohibited by the Ghana Education Service (GES) regulations.
“GES does not stop people from marrying. What they don’t allow is for two married people to work in the same school because it may affect their work. But they don’t discourage teachers from finding legitimate partners,” he added.