Minister slams GNAT President for advising teachers to go after female colleagues

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has condemned the remarks made by Reverend Isaac Owusu, President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), who suggested that male teachers should refrain from engaging in sexual relationships with students and instead seek relationships with female colleagues.

During the inauguration of the Dr Leonard Kaledzi Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence Education in Anloga on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Mr Iddrisu described these comments as “inappropriate” and likened them to sexual harassment.

He emphasised that such statements are unacceptable within a professional setting and detract from the ongoing efforts to uphold ethical standards and safeguard learners in educational institutions.

“We will punish any teacher found in any compromising act with a female student because it does not guarantee safety and learning in the environment. So, the words of the GNAT President, who advised that male teachers who want to have sexual relations can do it with female teachers, I am reminding him that even that will constitute sexual harassment, as it goes against the teaching code of conduct,” he said.

The Minister further reiterated the commitment of his ministry to uphold discipline and professionalism within the education sector, cautioning that any teacher who engages in misconduct will face severe consequences.