Stop indecent assault of your students …Lucy Awuni cautions teachers
From William N-lanjerborr Jalulah, Bolgatanga
THE DEPUTY Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs. Lucy Awuni has criticized teachers who engage in indecent relationship with their students. According to her, teachers should not indulge in any indecent relationship with their students, but serve as role models for them, cautioning that teachers must live above reproach.
Awuni noted that recent media reports have revealed that some teachers indulge in sexual relationship with their students. “This may not only tarnish the image of the teachers involved, but soil the hard earned reputation of this noble profession”, she stressed.
Mrs. Awuni, who was speaking at this year’s World Teachers Day celebration at Bolgatanga, observed that what is even worrying was the erosion of morality in the religious institutions. “Most ‘supposed men of God’ who are to lead exemplary lives are rather engaged in the most heinous crimes in the country.”
In order to avoid immorality among teachers, especially male teachers who chase their female students, the deputy minister advised teachers to consider discipline as an essential component of their calling, so as not to fall into temptations that might compromise their sense of good judgment.
Mrs. Awuni said in this 21st century, advancement in education and especially science, technology and intellectual property which are the key to any nation’s development. This, therefore, underscores the importance of the teacher, who is at the core of this endeavor.
She congratulated teachers on the celebration of the day, which was on the theme: “Take a stand for teachers”. She praised their struggle and dedication and recounted some of the efforts by the NDC government to make their conditions better and also to expand quality education to all parts of the country.
In his welcome address, the Regional Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Mr. Stephen Gebute said though government had put in place a number of interventions to improve the conditions of teachers, there was still much to be done if the society and the general public want to take a serious stand for teachers.
He called on government to take a bold step to drastically improve the conditions of service that are sustainable for teachers.
Mr. Gebute also called on the stakeholders in the educational sector to take steps to give the image of the teacher a face lift in respect and recognition.
The Upper East Regional branch of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) awarded eleven members, including a driver at the ceremony. With the exception of the Chief Driver, Mr. Assimiga Latifu, who received a citation, a piece of cloth and an amount of GH¢ 150.00, other awardees received Multi TV satellite receiver, citations and pieces of cloth.
Last year, only four members of the association were awarded, but this year, the number increased to ten, plus the chief driver. Five women were among the awardees.
Short URL: http://thechronicle.com.gh/?p=48196