Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has strongly condemned remarks made by the President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev. Isaac Owusu, urging male teachers to pursue relationships with single female colleagues rather than female students.
Rev. Owusu’s comments, which have drawn widespread backlash, were made following reports of teacher-student sexual misconduct that led to the interdiction of several head teachers across the country.
Speaking to educators, Rev. Owusu reportedly stated, “We are pleading with our male teachers: if you have that desire, we have beautiful women and single ladies among our staff and in our communities.”
However, the Education Minister has described the comment as “unethical and unprofessional,” stressing that it undermines the Ministry’s commitment to promoting discipline and safeguarding students in schools.
“The GNAT President may have sought to respond to inappropriate conduct between teachers and learners, but his approach was wrong. Any teacher attempting to take advantage of a student will be sanctioned. We are determined to ensure that schools remain safe and secure learning environments,” Mr. Iddrisu said.
He also warned that romantic advances toward colleagues within the workplace could constitute sexual harassment and would not be tolerated.
“In the words of Rev. Isaac Owusu, he said if you want to do the thing, do it with female teachers. I want to remind him that even such conduct can amount to sexual harassment within the professional setting, and that too is unacceptable. If you must, it should be outside the workplace and only with consenting adults,” he stated.
Mr. Iddrisu emphasised that the government remains committed to enforcing ethical standards in the education sector. He warned that any teacher found guilty of sexual misconduct, whether involving students or colleagues, would face severe disciplinary action.
“There are married teachers within the school environment. Such behaviour is unethical, unprofessional, and unacceptable. It undermines the integrity of the teaching profession and the delivery of quality education,” the Minister added.
Source: Adomonline
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