'We have a zero tolerance for sexual harassment' – GIJ

Management of the Ghana Institute of Journalism have encouraged students to break the silence by reporting cases of sexual harassment. According to the Institute, any lecturer found guilty after investigations will be dismissed.

Head of Communication Department, Lawrencia Agyapong, stated that the Institute has a zero tolerance towards sexual harassment.

Lectures in some tertiary institutions have been accused of demanding sex from students in exchange for good grades and one name that has come up is Ghana’s premier communication institute.

But speaking to GhanaWeb at the Grand Durbar of the schools 60th Anniversary, Dr. Lawrencia Agyapong sent out a warning to lectures by laying down the robust measures put in place to curb the canker.

“I know that the Management of GIJ has a zero tolerance for sexual harassment, any of that that comes to us, we will investigate and immediately you are dismissed. In fact, if you are tagged with sexual harassment and we find out that there is an iota of truth in it, you are suspended immediately while investigations go on. If you are culpable then you don’t have any place in our Institution,” she cautioned.

Universities in Ghana have policies that forbids lecturers engaging in any form of sexual relationship with their students. The recent BBC documentary on ‘sex for grades’ sparked controversies on whether these policies are being followed by lectures.

Management of GIJ are confident that, the robust policies will deter lecturers from engaging in the act. Students have been advised to report any form sexual harassment to the appropriate authorities.