Deputy Education Minister Clement Apaak has said the Ghana Education Service (GES) code of conduct places responsibility on both the teacher and student involved in the alleged misconduct case at Bole Senior High School, but stressed that teachers are expected to meet higher professional standards.

His comments come after a teacher at the school was interdicted following the circulation of a video said to depict inappropriate conduct involving a student.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile programme on Saturday, June 20, Dr Apaak explained that the GES code expressly forbids teachers from engaging in conduct that could be interpreted as romantic or sexual interest towards students.

He noted that the teaching profession carries responsibilities beyond classroom instruction, requiring educators to act in the best interests of students and safeguard their well-being.

According to him, teachers are expected to assume a role similar to that of parents when dealing with students under their care.

“Within the context of our code, they are both culpable. They are culpable in this sense. The teacher has the responsibility to act professionally and, by the code of conduct, is prohibited from having any knowledge or exhibiting conduct that suggests amorous intent, as the role is to teach and to act in a way analogous to a parent,” he said.

Dr Apaak further stated that educators have an obligation to shield students from situations that may negatively affect them physically, emotionally or spiritually.

“So it is assumed to be your responsibility as a parent to treat them as you will treat your kids. You are expected to protect them and to ensure that they are not put in situations that will endanger them physically, emotionally and spiritually,” he added.

The Deputy Minister's remarks come as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident at the school.