The Ministry of Education has expressed grave concern over the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student with autism at the Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS) in the Upper East Region, allegedly by two watchmen employed at the school.
In a statement dated Thursday, August 20 and signed by the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, the Ministry condemned the incident in the strongest terms, describing any act of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under the school system’s care as unacceptable and one that “will not be tolerated”.
“Schools exist to protect and nurture students, and any breach of that trust — particularly by adults entrusted with safeguarding vulnerable children — is unacceptable,” the statement said, adding that a minor cannot be held responsible for sexual abuse perpetrated against her by an adult.
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to investigate the matter and report immediately, ensure the victim receives the necessary medical attention and counselling for her recovery, and immediately reinstate her boarding status.
The Ministry assured the student’s family and the general public that justice would be served, describing the development as “an act of indiscipline” and reaffirming its commitment to the safety, dignity, and rights of every child in the Ghanaian school system.