Education Minister Slams GNAT President’s ‘Date Female Teachers’ Remark Amid Misconduct Crackdown
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has sharply rebuked Rev. Isaac Owusu, President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), for controversial comments urging male teachers to pursue single female colleagues instead of students, calling the remarks “unethical and unprofessional.” The statement, made in response to recent high-profile sexual misconduct cases involving teachers, sparked widespread outrage for trivializing the issue and risking workplace harassment.
Speaking on October 7, 2025, Iddrisu emphasized the government’s commitment to a safe learning environment, warning that teacher-student misconduct will face strict sanctions: “A teacher wanting to take advantage of a learner is unacceptable, and we will sanction any teacher found in any compromising situation.” He further cautioned that romantic advances toward colleagues could constitute workplace sexual harassment, stating, “Even that will constitute sexual harassment in your working environment. That’s also not acceptable.”
The controversy follows GNAT’s response to incidents like the interdictions of KNUST SHS Assistant Headmaster Charles A. Aidoo and Okadjakrom SHTS teacher Mfo Richard Tibetor for alleged student abuse, prompting calls for systemic reforms. Iddrisu stressed that such conduct undermines educational standards: “There are teachers who are married within that environment. It is unethical, unacceptable, and unprofessional.”
The minister’s remarks align with broader efforts, including a proposed Commission of Inquiry by GNACOPS to probe school misconduct and a GH¢1 billion plan to end the double-track system, reflecting the government’s push for ethical and quality education.
