Accra: Mrs Cynthia Aboni, Okaikwe North Municipal Director of Education, has called for heightened prevention of sexual harassment in schools rather than merely responding to the cases. She reaffirmed the municipality's dedication to stakeholder engagement to create a future where schools are safe and conducive environments, free from sexual harassment.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs Aboni made these remarks on Tuesday during this year's nationwide campaign against gender-based violence in secondary schools held in Accra. The campaign forms part of the 16 Days of Activism for Safer Schools, organized by the Ghana Education Service (GES) with support from the Ministry of Education, T-TEL, and other partners. The program is themed 'Erase Sexual Harassment: Protect Physical and Digital Spaces.'
Mrs Aboni emphasized the importance of creating measures to ensure that learners feel safe, protected, and empowered to pursue their academic goals without distractions due to harassment. She expressed concerns about the prevalence of sexual harassment in schools and called for urgent attention to address the issue. "We need a concerted effort to address these issues holistically. We need to confront the situation with all the urgency and compassion it deserves," she stated.
She also noted that the government has developed a comprehensive framework addressing all forms of sexual and child abuse, demonstrating institutional commitment to tackling this menace. Additionally, Mrs Aboni called for intensified road safety education in schools, especially during the upcoming Christmas festivities, to prevent fatalities.
Mrs Gifty Sekyi-Bremansu, the Director in charge of the Guidance and Counselling Unit of the Ghana Education Service, mentioned that the government had developed a national policy on safe schools across the country. The strategies include guidelines for reporting sexual harassment cases for urgent redress. She highlighted that the Service, among other initiatives, organized an online mandatory sexual harassment program for teachers and conducted sensitization activities for them.
Mrs Sekyi-Bremansu explained that the safe school program had implemented various interventions to prevent school-based violence over time, ensuring a secure, safe, and inclusive environment for effective teaching and learning. With support from development partners, the program has transitioned from awareness creation to action by mobilizing stakeholders to create a safe and inclusive future for schools.
A study conducted by the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in 2022 revealed that 51 percent of Ghanaian students were knowledgeable about sexual harassment, implying that the remaining 49 percent lacked awareness. Mr Graham Acquah, Headmaster of Achimota Senior High School, emphasized considering other forms of abuse, noting that some males are also sexually abused. He advocated for amplifying voices and challenging norms to ensure learners are free from all forms of abuse.