The Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Apaak has warned that education directors who conceal allegations of sexual abuse against teachers and headteachers will be held accountable.
He said all allegations involving learners must be reported promptly, with accused persons removed from contact with students while investigations are conducted.
Dr Apaak gave the directive at the 33rd Conference of Directors of Education at the GNAT Hall in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, against the backdrop of sexual abuse allegations involving the headteacher of Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
Although he declined to discuss the specifics of the case, citing the ongoing or expected investigations, he cautioned education officials against suppressing reports to protect the reputation of their institutions.
“When a child or a parent reports sexual abuse by a teacher or a headteacher, that report is not an inconvenience to be managed quietly. It is not a reputational risk to the school that must be contained,” he stated.
The Deputy Minister urged directors to ensure that allegations are handled through the appropriate reporting channels, regardless of the accused person’s position or influence.
He warned that officials who shield teachers from accountability risk exposing other learners to abuse.
“Do not shield any teacher from the consequences of credible allegations in the mistaken belief that you are protecting the system. You are not. You are endangering the next child, and you are endangering yourself, because a director who conceals abuse is not a bystander to it,” Dr Apaak said.
He stressed that compliance with the Ministry’s directives was mandatory, adding that directors who failed to report allegations or ensure the separation of accused persons from learners would face accountability.
“Our schools exist to protect children, not to protect adults who betray that protection,” he added.
The conference was held under the theme, “From Policy to Classroom: District Leadership for Quality Learning Outcomes and 21st Century Skills for National Development.”
Dr Apaak called on education directors to translate government policies into action at the district, circuit and school levels, emphasising their role in protecting learners and improving the quality of education.
