The Ghana Education Service (GES) is set to tighten enforcement of its code of conduct by directing schools nationwide to stop teachers from sending students to their private bungalows to perform household chores.
GES Director-General Professor Ernest Kofi Davis announced the move following the allegations of rape involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, who is accused of raping 19 students.
The case has renewed concerns about student safety in boarding schools and the risks associated with allowing students to visit teachers’ private living quarters for domestic tasks.
Speaking on the issue, Professor Davis said the practice was already prohibited under the GES code of conduct and that regional directors would be instructed to ensure strict compliance.
“I agree with those calling for a ban on students going to teachers’ bungalows. We are going to write to schools to make sure that it doesn’t happen because in our code of conduct, in Section 3.7 (V), it is written that the students are not expected to be asked to engage in household chores,” he said.
He added that the GES would formally remind regional directors and school authorities of the rules and ensure teachers understood their professional responsibilities.
“And so I expect the news to get to all regional directors to remind our staff to familiarize themselves with the code of conduct and cease inviting students to do household chores because the code of conduct does not permit that. It is not acceptable,” Professor Davis emphasised.
The planned directive is intended to reinforce existing safeguards and ensure that teachers maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students.
The Obuasi SHTS case has intensified calls for stronger measures to protect students in second-cycle institutions, particularly those living in boarding facilities, from abuse and other forms of misconduct.
