Sexual abuse allegations against teachers erode parents’ trust – Salaga South MP

Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Gender, Children and Social Welfare Committee and MP for Salaga South, expressed worry over allegations of sexual abuse involving teachers and students, stating that these incidents undermine parents’ confidence in school safety. Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News, she highlighted the importance of protecting students, especially those in boarding schools, and questioned how schools ensure their teachers provide a safe environment.

Recurring cases, including one at Obuasi Senior High Technical School where the headteacher was suspended, have raised serious concerns about the protection of students. Ibrahimah acknowledged the efforts of the Education and Gender, Children and Social Protection Ministers in handling some incidents, but called for more robust measures to prevent abuse and enable victims to report allegations safely.

She emphasized the need for stronger social welfare structures at district and municipal levels, noting that resource constraints often hinder their capacity to respond effectively to abuse reports. The MP expressed optimism that implementing the Social Protection Act and its supporting legislation would lead to increased funding for social welfare departments, which often serve as the first point of contact for victims.

Ibrahimah also pointed out the challenges students face when reporting abuse, particularly when the alleged perpetrator holds a position of authority, suggesting that reporting should be facilitated through the police or district social welfare office to minimize concealment. She proposed setting up gender desks in schools to offer students accessible options to report abuse, while acknowledging the potential risks of colleagues protecting perpetrators.

Ibrahimah stressed the importance of ensuring children in distress receive support and can report allegations without fear of intimidation.