Teachers who abuse students’ trust must be identified and punished – Deputy Education Minister

Deputy Education Minister Clement Abass Apaak has cautioned teachers against engaging in sexual abuse and other forms of misconduct involving students, warning that those found culpable will face disciplinary action. He said schools must remain safe and trusted environments where students can pursue their education without fear, urging teachers to uphold professional standards and maintain appropriate boundaries in their interactions with learners.

Speaking at the 60th anniversary celebration of St Martin’s Senior High School at Nsawam Adoagyiri in the Eastern Region, Dr Apaak stressed that allegations of sexual abuse in schools must be treated with the seriousness they deserve, with victims receiving the necessary protection and support. He acknowledged the commitment and hard work of most teachers but said those who abuse the trust placed in them must be identified and held accountable.

“Our teachers, I say to you with the greatest of respect, you hold a position of trust. Parents hand you their children believing that you would protect them,” he said. “The overwhelming majority of you teachers are trusted, and you work hard, and we say thank you. But those few who choose to betray the trust reposed in them must be identified, named, shamed and punished.” Dr Apaak urged teachers to act responsibly and demonstrate integrity in the discharge of their duties, adding that misconduct witnessed in schools must be reported rather than concealed.

“Report any misconduct you witness. Silence protects the abuser, not the child,” he stressed. He also had a message for students, encouraging them to speak out against abuse and assuring them that their concerns would be taken seriously. “To my dear students, speak up, you will be believed, and you will be protected,” he said. The Deputy Minister’s remarks come amid concerns about sexual abuse and other forms of misconduct involving teachers and students, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards to protect learners in educational institutions.

St Martin’s SHS seeks infrastructure support to end double-track system Meanwhile, the Headmaster of St Martin’s Senior High School, Paul A. Agbakpe, has appealed for urgent government support to address accommodation and infrastructure challenges facing the school. He said the school needed additional facilities within the next year to enable it to transition from the double-track system to the single-track arrangement by the end of 2027.

Mr Agbakpe explained that the school had experienced an increase in student enrolment over the past three years, with more students choosing the institution for their secondary education. However, the existing dormitory facilities and beds were inadequate to accommodate the growing student population. He said the school required two-storey dormitory blocks, one for boys and another for girls, as well as at least 800 bunk beds to ease the accommodation challenges.

The headmaster also identified the limited number of teachers residing on campus as a concern, particularly regarding student supervision and discipline during preparatory periods. He said providing accommodation for more teachers within the school premises would improve supervision, strengthen discipline and enhance the protection of students. He appealed for the necessary investment to address these challenges, saying the provision of adequate dormitory accommodation, staff housing, and renovated classrooms would help prepare the school for the proposed transition to the single-track system.