Some Acts of Professional Misconduct in the Ghana Education Service

The Ghana Education Service (GES) is committed to upholding professionalism and ensuring the delivery of quality education to Ghanaian students. Teachers, as key stakeholders, are required to adhere to professional standards and ethics in discharging their duties.

However, some acts of misconduct continue to undermine the integrity of the profession and the quality of education provided.

Below are some notable acts of professional misconduct within the Ghana Education Service:

• Failing to Prepare Teaching Notes
  The preparation of teaching notes is a fundamental responsibility of teachers. It ensures proper lesson planning and the delivery of structured lessons. Failing to prepare teaching notes not only affects the teacher’s performance but also compromises the academic development of learners.
• Failing to Set Adequate Written and Practical Exercises
  Regular written and practical exercises are essential for assessing students’ understanding and progress. Teachers who fail to set adequate exercises deny learners the opportunity to reinforce their knowledge and develop critical thinking skills.
• Refusal to Sign the Daily Attendance Book
  Signing the daily attendance book is an official duty that ensures accountability. A teacher’s refusal to sign the book undermines record-keeping and questions their commitment to duty.
• Lateness to Class
  Punctuality is critical in maintaining discipline and fostering a conducive learning environment. Teachers who report late to class disrupt the flow of lessons and set a poor example for their students.
• Absenteeism and Cutting of Classes
  Regular absenteeism and skipping classes are serious offenses that derail academic progress. Such behavior leaves students unattended and hampers the attainment of educational objectives.

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• Failing or Refusing to participate in Approved Co-Curricular Activities
  Co-curricular activities, such as sports and clubs, are essential for holistic student development. Teachers who neglect these activities fail to contribute to the overall growth and well-being of learners.
• Carrying Babies or Young Children to School
  Carrying babies or children under school-going age to school disrupts classroom activities and affects the teacher’s ability to focus on their professional duties.
• Transacting Private Financial Business
  Engaging in personal financial transactions during school hours is an unethical practice. It diverts attention from teaching and tarnishes the image of the profession.
• Unauthorized Collection of Money
  The unauthorized collection of money from students or parents is prohibited. Such actions exploit vulnerable families and may result in mistrust between teachers and the school community.
• Canning a Learner
  Despite the GES policy banning corporal punishment, some teachers continue to cane students. This act violates the rights of learners and contradicts modern educational practices focused on positive discipline.

Conclusion

Professionalism is the cornerstone of the teaching profession, and any acts of misconduct erode the respect and trust accorded to educators. It is crucial for teachers to uphold the ethics and standards of the Ghana Education Service to ensure a positive and productive learning environment for all students. Addressing these issues requires collective effort from educational authorities, teachers, and stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the profession.

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