The Ghana Education Service (GES) states clearly that no provision within its disciplinary framework recognises consensual sexual relations between a teacher and a student. Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at GES, announced this position, reinforcing the strict prohibition of such conduct under the service’s code of conduct. This declaration follows the interdiction of a teacher from Bole Senior High School in the Savannah Region over alleged sexual misconduct with a student.
Mr. Fenyi explained that even if a student appears to consent, the power dynamics inherent in the school environment make genuine consent impossible. Teachers hold positions of authority, mentorship, and trust. Such positions can unduly influence students to submit to inappropriate behaviour. Teachers are legally expected to act 'in loco parentis,' meaning they assume a parental responsibility for students in their care.
This stance fits into Ghana's broader efforts to improve educational standards and protect child welfare. Incidents of teacher misconduct erode public trust in the education system. They also undermine the government’s significant investments in educational infrastructure and teacher training. Recent data from the Ministry of Education indicates persistent challenges with teacher absenteeism and professional ethics across various regions.
“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,” Mr. Fenyi stated in an interview on JoyNews' The Pulse on Tuesday, June 16. He stressed that by choosing the teaching profession, educators agree to strict ethical rules and professional standards for their conduct.
The implications of this firm policy are significant for both educators and students. It signals zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and reinforces accountability within the teaching profession. School authorities will likely face increased scrutiny regarding the implementation of safeguarding policies. This will also boost public confidence in the safety of students within the educational system. Decision-makers and parents will monitor how effectively these guidelines are enforced across all Ghanaian schools.