Parents whose daughters have gained admission to KNUST Senior High School, Kumasi, must understandably be worried about the safety and welfare of freshers in the school.
This concern follows the circulation of a viral video showing an assistant headmaster of the school in a compromising posture with a female student in his office.
To describe the conduct of the assistant headmaster, a man advanced in age, as shameful would be an understatement.
The swift action of the Ghana Education Service (GES) is commendable and timely. Any delay could have provoked widespread public outrage.
The question on the minds of many, especially parents, is how many female students may have fallen prey to Mr. Charles Akwasi Aidoo’s advances.
School authorities must do more to root out such bad elements in their institutions, for this problem is not confined to KNUST SHS alone. A thorough investigation is required to establish the extent of the assistant headmaster’s predatory behaviour.
Imagine the heartbreak of sending your daughter to school after all the struggles of gaining admission, only to discover that a teacher or headmaster has developed the abominable habit of preying on young girls. What utter nonsense!
We demand the outcome of the investigation into this disgraceful conduct, as well as effective recommendations to prevent any future recurrence. Other schools must also take heed and ensure their female students are not subjected to similar harassment by unscrupulous members of staff.
There must also be clear and safe avenues for victims of predatory advances by teachers and headmasters to report such misconduct directly to the GES without fear of stigma or intimidation.
This incident also brings back into focus the debate on the use of mobile phones in senior high schools. While the GES banned students from keeping phones, some parents opposed the decision, arguing that smartphones could support learning.
It remains to be seen whether the assistant headmaster lured the girl into this misconduct or whether she was complicit. What is clear, however, is that both parties acted in ways unbecoming of their roles.
The public now awaits the findings of the investigation, hoping it will not only establish the truth but also ensure accountability and protect the integrity of our schools.