GES warns staff found guilty of sexual harassment face dismissal

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has reiterated its commitment to dealing firmly with sexual harassment in schools, warning that any staff member found culpable faces dismissal. Deputy Director-General in charge of Quality and Access at the GES, Dr Issahaque Munwaru, said a substantiated case of sexual harassment would be sufficient grounds for terminating the employment of the staff member involved.

He made the remarks during an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, November 2, while providing an update on investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct at Obuasi Senior High and Technical School. According to him, a committee established by the GES had visited the school to investigate the allegations and was expected to engage the relevant parties before submitting its findings.

Dr Munwaru said the investigative process must give everyone involved a fair hearing before conclusions are reached. He explained that the GES operates a four-tier disciplinary structure, with decisions at each level subject to review by the next higher authority. “The four levels of disciplinary structures are subject to review of the next higher level,” he said.

He added that the committee was expected to speak to those who had made the allegations, examine available video evidence and ensure that all parties were heard. However, Dr Munwaru stressed that the Service’s position on sexual harassment was unequivocal. “One on sexual harassment is equal to dismissal,” he stated, emphasising that a finding of sexual harassment could attract dismissal regardless of whether the accused person subsequently apologised.

He said the GES headquarters took allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and would review the committee’s recommendations before deciding on the appropriate action. “If there is need for us to even review the stance of the school committee, we will do that,” he added. Dr Munwaru did not provide a definite timeline for the committee to conclude its work, explaining that he needed to establish whether the investigators required additional time.

The allegations at Obuasi Senior High and Technical School have raised concerns about student safeguarding and the responsibility of education authorities to protect learners from sexual abuse and misconduct. The GES has assured the public that it will consider the committee’s recommendations and take the necessary disciplinary action in line with its procedures.

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