The Ghana Education Service (GES) has reiterated that all cases of sexual misconduct involving teachers and students are treated with the utmost seriousness, stressing that such behaviour is expressly forbidden under its code of conduct.
Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at GES, explained that the Service’s disciplinary framework does not recognise any form of “consensual” sexual relationship between a teacher and a student. “So far as the Ghana Education Service is concerned, and so far as our code of conduct is concerned, there is nothing like a consensual sexual affair between a student and a teacher,” he stated in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Tuesday, June 16.
His remarks follow the interdiction of a teacher at Bole Senior High School in the Savannah Region over allegations of sexual misconduct with a student. Fenyi emphasised that even where a student appears to consent, the inherent power imbalance within the school environment makes genuine consent impossible. Teachers, he noted, hold positions of authority, mentorship, and trust that can unduly influence students.
He further underscored that teachers are expected to act in loco parentis—assuming parental responsibility for the students under their care—making any sexual involvement fundamentally unacceptable.
Mr Fenyi stressed that by entering the teaching profession, educators accept strict ethical rules and professional standards that govern their conduct. He said any violation of these standards, particularly sexual misconduct, undermines the integrity of the profession and affects public confidence in teachers.
He added that misconduct by one teacher can unfairly affect the reputation of the broader teaching profession, even when others are performing their duties appropriately.
Mr Fenyi also referenced recent concerns about indiscipline in schools, warning that “If you perpetuate such acts and engage a student in sexual activity, how do you instil discipline when you are actually perpetuating immorality?” he asked. He stressed that GES does not tolerate such behaviour “on any level in any school,” and reaffirmed the service’s commitment to safeguarding students and maintaining professional standards in education.
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Source: MyJoyOnline.com
