UG to receive experts to help develop the training module on sexual harassment

Experts will soon land at the University of Ghana to help it in developing a training module on the University’s sexual harassment and misconduct policy.

This was disclosed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo.

We are bringing in experts to help us develop the training module. All the policies will critically be looked at during this training program because some people really do not know about them. In this particular instance, they are expected to get training in our sexual harassment and Misconduct policy” he stated.

The need for the University to develop a training module for staff of the University follows BBC’s ‘Sex for Grades’ documentary, which implicated two lecturers – Prof. Ransford Gyampo and Dr. Paul Butakor.

Following an investigation into that particular matter, Prof. Gyampo and Dr. Butakor were found guilty of misconduct and were handed six and four months suspension without pay.

Other sanction against the two include a training on the University’s Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy as well as the Code of Conduct for Academic Staff of the University of Ghana.’

They will also be required to receive a positive assessment after the training before resumption of their duties and undergo an annual assessment for a period of 5 years.

In an interview on Campus Exclusive, Prof. Amfo explained that the training was aimed at increase the awareness of the policy among members of the University community and eliminate the excuse of ignorance.

“We are going to use the training session to get them informed about what the sexual harassment policy says. It’s about ensuring that on our part as Management, we have equipped you with what you need to know so that nobody would operate in ignorance,” Prof. Amfo added.

Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo further mentioned that the BBC documentary was a convenient opportunity for the University to review and revise its sexual harassment policy.

“…it has allowed us the opportunity to look at ourselves again, to look at our documents again, to look at our processes again and then try to improve upon what we have,” she stated.

The University, since the BBC ‘Sex for Grades’ documentary have on various platforms, stressed on its disapproval of actions of sexual harassment and misconduct, and have urged victims to report offenders.