NPP communicator Akosua Manu, has warned that the power teachers and headmasters wield over students can make it difficult for girls to reject sexual advances or report alleged abuse.
She said students could fear punishment, poor grades or disruption to their education if they refused advances from teachers or complained about their conduct.
On JoyNews’ Newsfile, Manu referred to UNICEF data indicating that girls in schools in Ghana, Kenya and Mozambique could be pressured into offering sexual favours to teachers to avoid being punished.
“What does this tell you? It tells you there’s a certain power dynamic as far as a school is concerned,” she said.
Manu said teachers could influence students’ academic progress, leaving girls vulnerable when those in authority allegedly misuse their positions.
“A teacher can look at you and say, ‘I’m going to fail you,’” she said.
She added that students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds could be particularly afraid to report abuse because they might worry about losing the opportunity to complete their education.
“When you go to school and this happens to you, do you not fear that you may not complete your education? So you’d rather keep quiet and finish school,” she said.
Manu warned that such fears could allow abuse to go unreported and leave victims dealing with the consequences long after leaving school.
She argued that schools and education authorities must provide safe reporting systems and ensure students can raise complaints without fear of retaliation.
Manu also called for stronger oversight of school officials responsible for receiving reports, saying the system must not allow complaints to be ignored or dismissed.
