The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has warned that it will no longer shield teachers or non-teaching staff accused of sexually abusing students, as the Association moves to strengthen its response to sexual misconduct in schools.
NAGRAT President, Jacob Anabah, said the Association is developing measures to deal firmly with sexual harassment and abuse within educational institutions and will be prepared to expose individuals found culpable.
Mr Anabah said sexual abuse is not confined to schools and can also occur in homes, adding that some perpetrators may have underlying behavioural problems.
He stressed that teachers have a parental responsibility towards students and must maintain professional boundaries in their interactions with learners.
“When you are employed in the schools, you are the parent to all the students. There should be no sexual relationship with students in the school. Those involved may have serious problems,” he said.
Mr Anabah cited the Ghana Education Service Council Code of Conduct for Staff of the Ghana Education Service Council, Revised June 2017, which prohibits employees from engaging in conduct that may constitute sexual harassment of pupils or students.
He also called on traditional and religious leaders and other influential figures to take a stronger position against sexual abuse involving children and ensure that reported cases receive the necessary attention.
“The society has to wake up and fight it. Opinion leaders must speak truth on issues of sexual assault and relationships with children. Religious leaders and chiefs must speak,” he said.
According to the NAGRAT President, sexual harassment and abuse in schools have existed for years, but the growing influence of social media has made such incidents more visible to the public.
He disclosed that NAGRAT has established a committee to develop measures for dealing with teachers involved in sexual misconduct and indicated that the Association would be willing to name and shame offenders.
Commenting on the reported sexual abuse case at Obuasi SECTECH, Mr Anabah questioned why the situation was allowed to escalate despite claims that the matter had been known earlier.
He asked who took steps to report the alleged abuse and seek justice for the affected students when the issue first emerged.
Mr Anabah also cautioned male teachers against abusing the trust placed in them by students under the pretext of providing care and support.
“Don’t use your care as male teachers to the learners to abuse them. GES must step up its supervision role to protect the school environment,” he said.
He further urged the Ghana Education Service to strengthen supervision in schools and take firm action to ensure that educational institutions remain safe environments for students and staff.
