EDUCATION

Male Teachers Must Protect, Not Prey — Leave the Girl Child Alone

Across Ghana’s Basic and Senior High Schools, an uncomfortable but urgent truth demands our collective attention: the exploitation of young female students by some male teachers. This is not a baseless accusation or mere alarmism. It is a reality echoed in too many whispered stories, hidden traumas, and broken dreams.

The Classroom Should Be a Place of Growth — Not Grooming

Teachers are pillars of knowledge, entrusted with shaping the minds and character of the next generation. Yet, when boundaries are crossed and roles abused, that sacred space of learning turns into a place of fear and harm.

Many schoolgirls look up to their teachers — admiring them, respecting them, sometimes even developing innocent crushes. But let’s be very clear:

Admiration is not consent.
A smile is not an invitation.
Boldness is not maturity.

Girls in these schools are still growing, still figuring out their identities, emotions, and futures. As male teachers, we must not mistake their youthful curiosity or admiration for permission to engage in any form of inappropriate behavior.

When You Cross the Line, You Leave Scars

Crossing professional and moral lines with students causes irreversible damage. It shatters their confidence, plants seeds of shame and confusion, and robs them of a healthy childhood. Far too many girls carry this silent burden, suffering in silence because someone who should have protected them chose instead to exploit them.

Even in cases where a student seems to approach or flirt, it is the adult’s responsibility to reinforce boundaries. Often, such actions result from signals already sent by the teacher — a casual touch, a lingering gaze, or suggestive comments.

> Weak boundaries are not accidental — they are dangerous.
Teachers must not only teach but also model discipline, integrity, and respect.

 

We Must Hold Ourselves to a Higher Standard

Being a teacher is not just about delivering academic content. It is about shaping lives. Our duty goes far beyond books and lessons — we are custodians of children’s futures.

There is no excuse for inappropriate relationships with students — not loneliness, not temptation, not cultural ignorance. We must be better. We must protect our students, not prey on them.

Let every male teacher hear this clearly:

You are not her boyfriend.
You are not her husband.
You are her teacher — act like it.

A National Call to Action

As a nation, we must not remain silent. Heads of schools, parents, community leaders, and fellow educators must speak up and act when boundaries are violated. Safe reporting systems, firm disciplinary actions, and ongoing training on professional conduct are essential.

Let this message be amplified in every staff room and educational forum:

Leave the girl child alone.
Let her grow.
Let her breathe.
Let her be safe.

This message is not rooted in condemnation, but in a plea for responsibility. As male teachers, we have the power to influence generations. Let us wield that power with wisdom, dignity, and care.

 

Source: Ɔpanyin Wireko
Concerned Teacher | B.Ed Ghanaian Language – Akan | University of Education, Winneba | Contributor 

 

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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