The Ministry of Education has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take immediate action following the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student with autism at Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School (BOGISS) in the Upper East Region.
The alleged incident involves two watchmen employed by the school, who have been interdicted in connection with the case.
The Ministry said it considers the development a serious breach of the responsibility placed on schools and their staff to protect students, particularly children who may require additional care and support.
In a statement, the Ministry condemned the alleged abuse and stressed that no child should be exposed to sexual exploitation while under the care of an educational institution.
“We condemn in the strongest terms any act of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under our care,” the Ministry said.
It added that schools have a responsibility to provide a safe environment where students can learn and develop without fear of abuse.
“Schools exist to protect and nurture students, and any breach of that trust, particularly by adults entrusted with safeguarding vulnerable children is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
The Ministry also strongly rejected any attempt to place responsibility for the alleged abuse on the student.
“We wish to state unequivocally that a minor cannot be held responsible for sexual abuse perpetrated against her by an adult,” it stated.
Following the incident, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Service to investigate the matter and submit its findings immediately.
The GES has also been instructed to ensure that the student receives the necessary medical care and counselling to support her recovery.
As part of the measures announced by the Ministry, the Minister has directed that the student’s boarding status be immediately reinstated.
The Ministry said the welfare and recovery of the student remain a priority as the relevant authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
It also assured the student’s family and the public that appropriate steps would be taken to ensure accountability.
“We want to assure the student’s family and the general public that the Ministry will ensure justice is served in this matter,” the statement said.
The Ministry described the alleged conduct as an act of indiscipline and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting students across Ghana’s education system.
“The Ministry of Education sees the development as an act of indiscipline and reaffirms its commitment to the safety, dignity, and rights of every child in the Ghanaian school system.”
