Both teacher and student in Bole SHS sex case culpable — Deputy Education Minister

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has emphasised that while both a teacher and a student may bear responsibility in cases of alleged misconduct, teachers are required to uphold a higher standard of conduct under the Ghana Education Service (GES) code of ethics.

His comments follow the interdiction of a teacher at Bole Senior High School after a video purportedly showing inappropriate behaviour involving a student surfaced on social media.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile programme on Saturday, June 20, Dr. Apaak explained that the GES code of conduct clearly prohibits teachers from engaging in any behaviour that may suggest romantic or sexual interest in students.

He noted that the teaching profession extends beyond academic instruction and places a duty on educators to protect and promote the welfare of students entrusted to their care.

According to the Deputy Minister, teachers are expected to act in a parental capacity and maintain professional boundaries at all times.

“Within the context of our code, they are both culpable. They are culpable in this sense. The teacher has the responsibility to act professionally and, by the code of conduct, is prohibited from having any knowledge or exhibiting conduct that suggests amorous intent, as the role is to teach and to act in a way analogous to a parent,” he said.

Dr. Apaak stressed that educators have a responsibility to ensure that students are not exposed to circumstances that could harm them physically, emotionally or spiritually.

“It is assumed to be your responsibility as a parent to treat them as you will treat your own children. You are expected to protect them and ensure that they are not placed in situations that will endanger them physically, emotionally and spiritually,” he added.

The Deputy Minister's remarks come as education authorities continue investigations into the incident to determine the full circumstances and any possible breaches of the GES code of conduct.