‘Days of sweeping abuse allegations under the carpet are long gone’ – Dr. Apaak on Aduman SHS case

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has warned that the government will no longer tolerate attempts to conceal allegations of abuse and misconduct in Ghana’s education sector.

He said all stakeholders, including teachers, non-teaching staff, students and parents, would be held to the same standards of accountability to ensure schools remain safe environments for teaching and learning.

In a reaction to the interdiction of two teachers of Aduman Senior High School over alleged sexual misconduct involving a male student, Dr Apaak reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing misconduct within educational institutions.

“We are determined to ensure that our schools remain safe environments for teaching and learning. As we have demonstrated so far, misconduct would not be tolerated from any stakeholder in the education sector: students, teaching, non-teaching staff or parents. The days of sweeping allegations of abuse and misconduct are long gone,” he said.

His comments follow a November 12 statement by the Ghana Education Service (GES), which announced the interdiction of Isaac Yankey and Palance Kwakye, both staff members of Aduman SHS, over allegations of sexual misconduct against a male student.

According to the GES, the matter was referred to the Police for investigation after management received reports of the alleged incident. The two teachers have since been arrested in connection with the case.

The Service said the interdiction would remain in force pending the outcome of investigations.

GES further disclosed that the alleged victim had been provided with psychosocial support to safeguard his well-being.

The development comes amid renewed concerns about misconduct and the safety of students in Ghanaian schools, following other reported incidents involving teachers and students.

Dr. Apaak’s warning signals the Education Ministry’s determination to ensure that allegations of abuse are properly addressed rather than concealed.

The two teachers remain subject to ongoing investigations, and the allegations against them have not yet been established.