Teachers Accused of Sexual Misconduct Should Lose Licenses

Calls for tougher sanctions within Ghana’s education sector have intensified following fresh allegations of sexual misconduct involving teachers. The Executive Director of the Institute for Education Studies (IFEST), Dr. Peter Anti Partey, says the National Teaching Council must go beyond basic disciplinary actions and begin withholding professional licenses for teachers implicated in such offences. His comments come in the wake of the interdiction of Joshua Vidzro, the headmaster of Dzodze-Penyi Senior High School, who has been accused of inappropriate conduct involving some female students.

Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Monday, December 8, Dr. Partey explained that teachers hold significant influence over students and therefore any form of misconduct must be met with firm regulatory consequences. He argued that demotions and transfers have repeatedly failed to address the problem, noting that such measures simply move offenders to new environments where they can continue the same behaviour. According to him, protecting students requires preventing implicated teachers from entering another classroom until investigations are fully concluded.

Dr. Partey reminded the public that the National Teaching Council already has the authority to initiate investigations and suspend or withdraw licenses. He insisted that this power should be exercised more decisively when cases involving minors arise. He stressed that teachers must be held to the highest professional and ethical standards, not only because they shape the future of children but also because students trust and rely on them in ways that make abuse particularly damaging.

The Ghana Education Service has already ordered the Dzodze-Penyi SHS headmaster to step aside while investigations proceed. The directive, issued on Saturday, December 6, requires Vidzro to hand over all school property, records, and responsibilities to the Ketu North Municipal Director of Education. He has also been instructed to leave the school premises by Monday, December 8, though he must remain available to assist officials as the case develops.

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Public concern continues to rise as communities demand stronger accountability measures to protect students and restore confidence in Ghana’s education system. Many believe that the recurring pattern of teacher misconduct cases is a sign that the sector urgently needs stricter enforcement, clearer reporting systems, and firmer deterrents. As investigations continue, all eyes are on the Teaching Council, the GES, and policymakers to determine the next steps in safeguarding learners.