The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) Women’s Forum has condemned reports of alleged sexual assault and abuse involving students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, calling for a thorough and expeditious investigation and the prosecution of anyone found culpable.
In a statement, the Forum described the allegations as a serious concern, stressing that, if proven, they would constitute violations of the law and an abuse of the authority entrusted to individuals responsible for students’ education and welfare.
The Forum said schools must provide safe environments where students can learn and develop without fear, exploitation or harm.
It commended the students and their families, as well as others who had come forward to report the allegations, noting that reporting abuse requires courage and that survivors must be treated with dignity, compassion and respect throughout investigations and judicial proceedings.
The GBA Women’s Forum urged the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial and timely investigation into the allegations.
It specifically called on the police to investigate the cases expeditiously and ensure that no individual is shielded from accountability.
The Forum also called for swift prosecution where the evidence supports criminal charges, emphasising that anyone found responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the law.
It further commended teachers at the school who, according to the statement, had supported the affected girls.
The Forum also acknowledged the media’s role in bringing the matter to public attention, expressing concern over the alleged lack of action by relevant authorities before the reports emerged.
The Forum disclosed that some of its members had been contacted by concerned individuals from the school and were assisting the young women in their efforts to obtain justice.
It said it would continue monitoring the matter to ensure that the affected students received the necessary support and that their pursuit of justice was not abandoned.
“As officers of the court and guardians of the rule of law, members of the legal profession remain committed to upholding justice, protecting the rights of children, and supporting efforts to prevent sexual violence and exploitation in all its forms,” the statement said.
Beyond the immediate investigation, the Forum called on educational institutions and relevant authorities to strengthen safeguarding mechanisms, reporting procedures and accountability measures to protect students from sexual abuse.
It also pledged to join advocacy efforts aimed at ensuring that adequate policies are introduced to protect girls and young people from sexual abuse in schools and other educational institutions.
The Forum stressed that the welfare and safety of children must remain a priority, maintaining that there should be no tolerance for conduct that endangers, abuses or exploits minors.
The statement was signed by the President of the GBA Women’s Forum.
