Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has condemned what she described as a disturbing rise in cases of sexual misconduct between teachers and students in senior high schools, calling the trend a “stain on the integrity of the teaching profession.”
Her remarks follow the circulation of two disturbing videos on social media — one allegedly involving a headmaster of KNUST Senior High School with a female student, and another showing a teacher from Okadjakrom SHS engaged in sexual acts with a student.
Addressing educators at the Ghana Teacher Prize ceremony held at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho on Sunday, October 5, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the government would take decisive action against teachers who exploit their positions of authority to prey on students.
“As teachers, we must always remember that we are placed in a position of trust, protection, and empathy. We will not wait to apply sanctions to those who violate that trust,” she said, stressing that transferring such offenders to new schools must never be mistaken for punishment.
“Remember, transfers are not punishment and so they should never be used against those who abuse our children, betray their trust, and those who disgrace our profession,” she warned.
The Vice President also outlined new initiatives to strengthen accountability within the education system, including the revival of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to deepen parental involvement in student welfare and protection.
She noted that government will work closely with the National Teaching Council (NTC) to raise ethical and professional standards across the teaching sector, while encouraging teachers to embrace mentorship and continuous learning.