GES Orders Dzozde-Penyi SHS Headmaster to Step Aside Over Alleged Sexual Misconduct as Investigation Begins.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the Headmaster of Dzozde-Penyi Senior High School, Mr. Joshua Vidzro, to step aside over allegations of sexual misconduct reported to the Volta Regional Directorate.
Over the week, Over the week, Mr. Joshua Vidzro , the headmaster of DZODZE PENYI SHS was alleged to have impregnated a 15 year old girl, a student of the school.
The directive, contained in a letter dated 6th December 2025, was issued under the instructions of the Director-General of GES. According to the letter, the action is part of a formal investigative process and does not amount to a declaration of guilt.
Allegations Trigger Immediate Administrative Action
The letter notes that the Headmaster is being asked to step aside temporarily to allow for an independent inquiry into the alleged sexual misconduct. The GES emphasizes that the step-aside order is standard procedure when allegations of this nature are filed.
As part of the directive, Mr. Vidzro has been instructed to:
- Hand over all school responsibilities and property to the Municipal Director of Education (Ketu North).
- Vacate the school premises by Monday, 8th December 2025, after the handover.
- Remain accessible to investigators throughout the inquiry.
- Avoid contact—direct or indirect—with individuals connected to the allegations.
The GES further states that these actions are meant to protect the integrity of the investigation.
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Municipal Director to Oversee School Temporarily
In the interim, the Municipal Director of Education for Ketu North has been assigned to assume administrative control of the school until the investigation concludes and further directives are issued.
GES assures the public that it remains committed to professional standards, student welfare, and institutional accountability.
Community and Public Reaction
The news of the alleged sexual misconduct has stirred significant public interest, with many calling for:
- A transparent investigation
- Protection of students
- Fair treatment of the accused until the facts are established
Implications Under the Teachers’ Code of Conduct
According to the Ghana Education Service (GES) Code of Professional Conduct, allegations involving sexual misconduct are treated as extremely serious breaches of professional ethics, particularly under Section 3.4 (Immoral Behaviour), which explicitly prohibits teachers from engaging in any form of sexual or romantic relationship with students. The code stresses that educators must uphold the “highest moral standards” and ensure a safe environment for learners. Even the mere suspicion of such conduct triggers mandatory administrative procedures to protect students and preserve public trust in the school system. This is why GES typically requires an accused officer to step aside while investigations are conducted.
If the Headmaster is eventually found guilty after the investigation, the consequences under the GES Code of Conduct and the GES Disciplinary Procedures can be severe. Under Section 4.1 (Major Offences), sexual misconduct with a student is categorized as a dismissible offence that can result in termination of appointment, removal from the GES payroll, and a potential ban from teaching in any public school in Ghana. Beyond administrative sanctions, such a finding can also lead to criminal charges under Ghana’s laws protecting minors, permanently damaging the educator’s career, reputation, and legal standing. For a head teacher—who carries additional responsibility for student welfare—the implications are even more profound, as misconduct at that level undermines public confidence in the entire education system.
Parents, community members, and students are awaiting further communication from the GES.
The GES is expected to begin interviews with parties involved and review evidence supplied to the Regional Directorate and make further administrative decisions based on findings. The GES has not specified a timeline for the completion of the investigation.