The Education Ministry has declared its intention not to shield teachers and headteachers who sexually abuse students.

Addressing the media, the Deputy Education Minister, Dr Clement Apaak, warned education directors against concealing cases of sexual abuse in schools, stressing that those who fail to report such incidents will be held accountable.

“You are aware of the allegations of sexual abuse involving a headteacher at Obuasi Senior High Technical School. I will not discuss the specifics of a matter that is, or ought to be, under investigation. When a child or a parent reports sexual abuse by a teacher or a headteacher, that report is not an inconvenience to be managed quietly. It is not a reputational risk to the school that must be contained.

“Do not shield any teacher from the consequences of credible allegations in the mistaken belief that you are protecting the system. You are not. You are endangering the next child, and you are endangering yourself, because a Director who conceals abuse is not a bystander to it.

“I say this to you as a direct instruction from the Ministry: every allegation of sexual abuse must be reported promptly through the proper channels. Every accused person must be removed from contact with learners while investigations proceed. And every Director who fails in this duty will be held to account,” Dr. Apaak warned.

His comment forms part of the government’s efforts to end such misconduct in schools following a recent documentary that exposed allegations against the former headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School.

Zakaria Abdulai, who was the then headmaster of the school, has been accused by some of the female students of sexual abuse. This information came to light in Manasseh Azure Awuni’s latest documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow. So far, 19 students have allegedly been sexually abused by Zakaria Abdulai.

The revelation has triggered scores of Ghanaians calling on the government to bring Zakaria Abdulai. But the Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, on Tuesday, October 20, disclosed that Mr Abdulai had been arrested and was being investigated. Ghana has recorded several cases of sexual abuse by headmasters.

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

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

He was spotted in a viral video with a female student in a compromising position. In response, GES management released a statement outlining its stance 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 general public, stakeholders, parents, and students that due process will be followed, and the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the code of conduct of the Ghana Education Service.