Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for immediate and comprehensive investigations into allegations of sexual exploitation involving sex for jobs and sex for grades in Ghanaian workplaces and educational institutions.
She has stressed that individuals found guilty of engaging in such misconduct must face appropriate disciplinary and legal sanctions, warning that sexual harassment and abuse of authority pose serious threats to national development.
Speaking at the 2026 Sex for Jobs Conference in Accra, the Vice President described the practice of demanding sexual favours in exchange for employment opportunities, academic grades or career advancement as an abuse of power and a violation of human rights.
According to her, sex for jobs and sex for grades undermine institutional integrity, compromise individual dignity and negatively affect Ghana’s economic and social development.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang explained that sexual exploitation goes beyond the immediate harm suffered by victims, as it also contributes to reduced workplace productivity, the loss of valuable human talent and declining public confidence in institutions.
She noted that victims are often forced into silence because of intimidation and the fear of losing employment opportunities, promotions or academic progress.
The Vice President therefore urged public institutions, private organisations and educational establishments to introduce independent and confidential reporting systems to enable victims to report sexual harassment without fear of victimisation or retaliation.
She emphasised that reporting mechanisms must be independent, particularly in cases where individuals accused of sexual misconduct hold positions of authority over the victims’ employment, professional development or academic performance.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang further called for stronger institutional accountability and effective enforcement of existing policies to ensure that all complaints are handled promptly, fairly and thoroughly.
She maintained that investigations must lead to appropriate sanctions against individuals found responsible for sexual exploitation and abuse of authority.
The Vice President also appealed to employers, universities, schools and other training institutions to establish safe and respectful environments where individuals can pursue their education and professional careers without being subjected to sexual harassment, coercion or exploitation.
Her remarks reinforce calls for stronger measures to combat workplace sexual harassment, protect students and employees, promote gender equality and strengthen accountability across Ghanaian institutions.
Source: newsthemegh.com