Eleven (11) teachers have faced disciplinary action over sexual misconduct, including the dismissal of ten and the termination of another’s appointment, amid growing concerns over student safety in schools across the country, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has revealed.

This comes amid allegations that the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High School sexually assaulted more than 10 female students.

The headmaster has been interdicted by the GES pending investigations.

The Ministry of Education has also referred the matter to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for investigation.

The Director-General of the GES, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, said during a media engagement that the Service is committed to ensuring the safety of students and treats cases of sexual assault against students by teachers with utmost seriousness, ensuring that appropriate sanctions are imposed when investigations establish wrongdoing.

In a related development, the GES has directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education and the Obuasi Municipal Director of Education, Dr William Amankrah Appiah and Mr Kwamena Owusu-Nketiah, respectively, to step aside while investigations continue. The Service says the move is intended to prevent possible interference, or the perception of interference, in the process.

Ghana has recorded several cases of alleged sexual abuse involving headmasters.

Last year, the headmaster of Dzodze-Penyi Senior High School, Mr Joshua Vidzro, was temporarily relieved of his duties by the GES over his alleged involvement in sexual misconduct with some female students.

In September, the GES announced the removal of the Assistant Headmaster (Academic) of KNUST Senior High School, Mr Charles Akwasi Aidoo, from office over alleged misconduct.

He was seen in a viral video with a female student in a compromising position.

In response, the GES issued a statement reiterating its position on the matter.

“Management views this matter with utmost seriousness. In line with our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the teaching profession and ensuring the safety and welfare of students under our care, Mr Aidoo has already been removed from office and prohibited from going to the school while thorough investigations are being carried out,” the statement read.

The GES assured the public, stakeholders, parents and students that due process would be followed and appropriate disciplinary action taken in accordance with the Service’s code of conduct.