Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu has sharply criticised remarks made by Rev. Isaac Owusu, President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), who recently advised male teachers to pursue relationships with single female colleagues rather than their students.
Rev. Owusu’s statement, made in reaction to reports of sexual misconduct involving teachers and students that led to the interdiction of several head teachers nationwide, has sparked widespread public outrage.
Addressing teachers at a recent event, Rev. Owusu reportedly said, “We are pleading with our male teachers: if you have that desire, we have beautiful women and single ladies among our staff and in our communities.”
In response, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu described the comment as “unethical and unprofessional,” insisting that it undermines efforts to maintain discipline and protect students in schools.
“The GNAT President may have sought to respond to inappropriate conduct between teachers and learners, but his approach was wrong. Any teacher attempting to take advantage of a student will be sanctioned. We are determined to ensure that schools remain safe and secure learning environments,” Mr. Iddrisu stated.
The Minister further cautioned that even advances toward colleagues within the workplace could constitute sexual harassment, which would not be tolerated.
“In the words of Rev. Isaac Owusu, he said if you want to do the thing, do it with female teachers. I want to remind him that even such conduct can amount to sexual harassment within the professional setting, and that too is unacceptable. If you must, it should be outside the workplace and only with consenting adults,” he added.
Mr. Iddrisu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding ethical and professional standards in the education sector, warning that any teacher found guilty of sexual misconduct — whether involving students or colleagues — would face strict disciplinary action.
“There are married teachers within the school environment. Such behaviour is unethical, unprofessional, and unacceptable. It undermines the integrity of the teaching profession and the delivery of quality education,” the Minister said.
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