Sexual abuse, harassment have no place in schools – Dr. Apaak warns

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has warned that sexual abuse and harassment will not be tolerated in Ghana’s education system, urging school authorities to protect students and establish trusted channels for reporting misconduct.

He said abuse by persons in authority or fellow students must be addressed promptly, with victims protected and reports referred to the appropriate authorities.

Dr. Apaak made the remarks on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, when he commissioned a 300-capacity hostel at St. Ambrose College of Education in Dormaa Akwamu in the Bono Region.

Speaking on the need for safe and disciplined learning environments, he said the protection of students must remain a central responsibility of educational institutions.

“Let me be clear: sexual abuse and harassment, whether by a person in authority or by a fellow student, have no place in our education system, and will not be tolerated. Victims must be listened to, protected and never blamed. Reports must be handled promptly, confidentially and referred to the appropriate authorities,” he said.

The Deputy Minister linked student safety to discipline in schools, arguing that misconduct and abuse can undermine trust and make effective learning difficult.

“The two issues feed each other. Where discipline collapses, the vulnerable suffer first. Where abuse goes unchecked, trust in our institutions collapses with it. A school that cannot protect its students cannot teach them,” he stated.

Dr. Apaak urged the management of St. Ambrose College and other educational institutions to ensure students have clear and reliable ways to report abuse.

“I therefore urge management to ensure that this hostel and all the others have clear and trusted channels for reporting abuse, and that staff, wardens and students all know them. Enforcing rules fairly, protecting the vulnerable and holding offenders to account are not separate tasks. They are one commitment to a safe campus,” he said.

He also called on staff to demonstrate professionalism and respect for students, while urging teacher trainees to treat one another responsibly.

“To our teacher trainees: you are being prepared to protect other people’s children. That duty begins with how you treat one another here,” he added.

In July 2026, the government brought together teachers, parents, traditional and religious leaders, and security agencies in Sunyani for a National Conference on Stemming the Growing Indiscipline in Schools.

Dr. Apaak said the concerns discussed at the conference went beyond unruly behaviour to include the breakdown of respect, responsibility and safety in learning environments.

He said the newly commissioned hostel should be a place where every student feels safe, adding that its success would depend not only on the facility itself but also on how well it serves students and supports their welfare.

The 300-capacity hostel is intended to improve accommodation for students at St. Ambrose College of Education, where appropriate residential facilities form part of the wider effort to strengthen teacher education.