Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Apaak has cautioned education directors against covering up for teachers and headteachers accused of sexually abusing learners, warning that any official found concealing such cases will face sanctions.
Speaking at the 33rd Conference of Directors of Education at the GNAT Hall in Bolgatanga, in the Upper East Region, Dr Apaak said all sexual abuse allegations must be reported immediately through the appropriate channels, and accused persons must be removed from contact with learners pending investigations. His directive follows alleged sexual abuse involving a headteacher at Obuasi Senior High Technical School. “When a child or a parent reports sexual abuse, that report is not an inconvenience to be managed quietly. It is not a reputational risk to be contained,” he said, stressing that directors who shield offenders endanger children and themselves.
Dr. Apaak described the instruction as non-negotiable, insisting that schools exist to protect children and not adults who abuse that trust. He urged district directors to translate policy into action at the district, circuit and school levels, noting that their leadership is critical to safeguarding learners and improving learning outcomes, in line with the conference theme, “From Policy to Classroom: District Leadership for Quality Learning Outcomes and 21st Century Skills for National Development.”
