Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has sharply criticised remarks made by the President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev. Isaac Owusu, advising male teachers to pursue relationships with single female colleagues instead of female students.
Rev. Owusu’s comments — which have sparked widespread public outrage — were made in response to recent reports of teacher-student sexual misconduct that resulted in the interdiction of several head teachers across the country.
Speaking to educators, 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.”
Reacting to the statement, Mr. Iddrisu described the comment as “unethical and unprofessional,” stressing that it contradicts the Ministry’s efforts to uphold discipline and protect students from exploitation.
“The GNAT President may have sought to address misconduct between teachers and students, but his approach was entirely wrong,” the Minister said. “Any teacher who attempts to take advantage of a student will face strict sanctions. We are committed to ensuring that schools remain safe and secure learning environments.”
Mr. Iddrisu further warned that even romantic advances toward colleagues in the workplace could amount to sexual harassment and would not be condoned.
“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 such behaviour can also constitute sexual harassment within a professional setting — and that too is unacceptable. If it must happen, it should be outside the workplace and only between consenting adults,” he emphasised.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining ethical and professional standards in education, warning that any teacher found guilty of sexual misconduct — whether involving students or colleagues — would face severe disciplinary action.
“There are married teachers within the school environment. Such conduct is unethical, unprofessional, and unacceptable. It undermines the integrity of the teaching profession and the quality of education we strive to deliver,” Mr. Iddrisu added.
