Prof. Aheto Demands Criminalization of Teacher-Student Sex as Search Intensifies for Fleeing Bole SHS Teacher

The Ministry of Education is currently soliciting public assistance to track down a teacher from Bole Senior High School who went into hiding after a video depicting sexual misconduct with a student circulated online. This high-profile incident has amplified calls from education experts, including Professor Simon-Peter Kafui Aheto, to strictly criminalize sexual relationships between teachers and students to better address school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV). Deputy Minister Dr. Clement Apaak confirmed that the teacher has been interdicted by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and that law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing him to ensure accountability under both legal and disciplinary frameworks. This case highlights a broader systemic failure in protecting students, as noted by Professor Aheto during a strategic meeting with over 30 civil society organizations, including WILDAF and Oxfam. Aheto argued that existing laws meant to protect learners are often poorly enforced, leaving victims vulnerable and fearful of reporting incidents due to social stigma. To combat this, he introduced a specialized toolkit designed to help educators and policymakers identify and manage SRGBV more effectively. The push for criminalization aims to eliminate legal ambiguities that sometimes allow offenders to escape justice within the school system. By strengthening the legal framework and enhancing reporting mechanisms, stakeholders hope to create a safer and more equitable learning environment for all Ghanaian students. The collaboration between the Ministry of Education and civil society reflects a growing national commitment to ending sexual exploitation in schools and ensuring that those in positions of trust are held to the highest ethical standards.