The Member of Parliament (MP) for Abirem, Charles Asuako Owiredu, has cautioned teachers against engaging in sexual relationships with students, urging them to focus on their responsibility of teaching, guiding and protecting young people.

He made the call when he presented trunks and mattresses to about 2,000 first-year Senior High School (SHS) students in the Birim North District.

The gesture is aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents and helping the fresh students settle into their various schools as they begin their secondary education.

Speaking to the students, Mr Owiredu urged them to remain disciplined and take their studies seriously.

“Now that you have the opportunity to attend SHS, you must take your education seriously. Be disciplined, stay focused and make good use of the Free SHS programme,” he said.

The MP also had a message for teachers, cautioning them against inappropriate relationships with students.

“Teachers have a responsibility to protect these young people. You are supposed to guide them and serve as role models, so you should not engage in sexual relationships with your students,” he said.

According to him, such relationships could have serious consequences for students and potentially affect their education and future.

He urged teachers to maintain professional boundaries and create an environment where students can learn without fear, pressure or inappropriate conduct.

Mr Owiredu also encouraged the students to make the most of the support provided to them.

“You are not going to school just to be there. You are going there to learn and prepare yourselves for the future. Work hard and make your parents and the people supporting you proud,” he added.

The MP said the support forms part of his efforts to promote education in the Abirem Constituency and ease the financial pressure on families with children entering SHS.

Some parents and beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the gesture, saying the items would help reduce the cost of preparing their children for school.

They also appealed to the students to take their studies seriously and make good use of the opportunity.

The beneficiaries thanked the MP for the support and pledged to remain focused on their education.