‘Transferring teachers who sexually abuse students is not a form of punishment’ – Vice President Naana Opoku-Agyeman

Ghana’s vice president, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has firmly declared that transferring teachers who abuse students sexually is not a form of punishment and must never be used as such.

She emphasised that serious sanctions are necessary to uphold the dignity of the teaching profession and protect students who suffer such abuse.

Speaking at the 2025 Ghana Teacher Prize ceremony in Ho, the Vice President condemned recent incidents of sexual misconduct involving teachers, describing them as a “betrayal of trust” and a disgrace to the profession.

Naana stressed that educators are entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing and safeguarding students, not exploiting them.

Her remarks followed two high-profile cases involving teachers at KNUST Senior High School and Okadjakrom Senior High Technical School, both of whom were implicated in acts of sexual misconduct.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang made it clear that transfers should never be used as disciplinary action for such grave offences.

She stated, “Transfers are not punishments. So they should never be used for those who abuse our children, who betray their trust, and those who disgrace our profession.”

Instead, she called for decisive sanctions and legal action against perpetrators, reinforcing the government’s commitment to student safety and ethical standards in education.

In addition to her warning, the Vice President announced the revival of Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) across the country.

This initiative aims to strengthen community involvement in schools and ensure better monitoring of student welfare.

She also praised the collaboration between teacher unions and the National Teaching Council, which continues to work toward professionalising teaching and enforcing discipline.

The Vice President concluded by urging teachers to embrace mentorship, innovation, and lifelong learning, emphasising that their influence extends far beyond the classroom and into the moral fabric of society.