The Ministry of Education has ordered the Ghana Education Service (GES) to immediately reinstate a 14-year-old student with autism to boarding status at the Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS) following alleged sexual abuse by two security personnel at the institution.
The directive follows widespread outrage after details emerged of the assault against the vulnerable minor in the Upper East Region.
In an official statement signed by Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak (MP), the Ministry expressed grave concern over the incident and condemned all forms of child exploitation within educational institutions.
“We condemn in the strongest terms any act of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under our care. 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 statement noted.
Addressing concerns surrounding the student’s initial removal from the boarding facility, the Ministry made it clear that victims of abuse must never be penalised for crimes committed against them.
“We wish to state unequivocally that a minor cannot be held responsible for sexual abuse perpetrated against her by an adult,” Dr. Apaak emphasized in the release.
Following the incident, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, instructed the GES to initiate a swift investigation into the matter and submit an immediate report. Additionally, the Service has been directed to ensure the victim receives comprehensive medical attention and psychological counselling to aid her recovery, alongside her immediate reinstatement to the school’s boarding house.
Reassuring the public, the Ministry stated that it considers the incident a severe breach of discipline and remains committed to pursuing justice for the victim while safeguarding the rights, dignity, and safety of all students in Ghanaian schools.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
