The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has deployed an advance team to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region to provide immediate psychosocial and social welfare support to students affected by the alleged sexual abuse incident at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (OSECTEC).
The team, which dispatched on Wednesday, 21st October 2026, comprises officers from the Department of Social Welfare, the Domestic Violence Secretariat, and the Department of Children. Their primary mandate is to assess the immediate and long-term protection, health, and welfare needs of the affected students while facilitating appropriate interventions to support their recovery and well-being.
As part of their assignment, the officers are engaging affected students and their families, as well as regional and district stakeholders, including educational authorities, to assess individual circumstances, identify gaps in support services, and coordinate an institutional response.
Recognising that the consequences of sexual abuse extend beyond the immediate incident, the Ministry noted that such experiences carry lasting effects on the emotional well-being, educational development, self-confidence, and future prospects of affected children. It emphasized that any meaningful response must go beyond addressing immediate concerns to ensure sustained care and protection.
“Accordingly, the Ministry’s intervention places particular emphasis on the dignity, safety, privacy, confidentiality and best interests of the affected students,” the Ministry stated, adding that all engagements are being conducted in a sensitive, child-centred, and trauma-informed manner to prevent further distress, stigmatisation, or secondary victimisation.
Where necessary, the team will facilitate referrals to health facilities and specialised mental health services, ensuring that any medical assessments are undertaken by qualified professionals in accordance with consent and child safeguarding requirements.
The Ministry indicated that it is working with relevant bodies to avoid duplicated efforts, ensure timely service access, and follow up on identified needs to maintain continuity of care. Beyond the immediate intervention, MoGCSP stated that it considers the incident a matter of serious concern that underscores the necessity of strengthening child protection, reporting, and referral mechanisms within educational institutions.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and the Ghana Police Service, MoGCSP plans to identify institutional gaps, reinforce preventive measures, and improve detection systems.
Reiterating its stance, the Ministry stressed that sexual abuse, exploitation, and violence against children remain unacceptable under any circumstances. While authorities establish the facts and determine accountability, MoGCSP urged stakeholders to respect the rights and privacy of the affected students and refrain from public commentary that could expose them to further harm.
“The Ministry further emphasises that every child has the right to learn and develop in a safe, protective and supportive environment. School authorities, teachers, parents, caregivers and members of the public have a shared responsibility to remain vigilant, take allegations of abuse seriously and promptly report suspected cases to the appropriate authorities,” the statement added.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected child abuse to the Ghana Police Service or contact the Ministry’s Helpline of Hope Call Centre and Orange Support Centre on 0800-800-800, 0800-900-900, or 0800-111-222, as well as via WhatsApp on 0551757575.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
