The Ministry of Education has condemned the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student with autism at Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS) in the Upper East Region, allegedly involving two watchmen employed by the school.
The Ministry described the incident as a grave breach of the trust placed in school authorities and said perpetrators of sexual abuse against children would not be tolerated within the education system.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 20, 2026, and signed by the Deputy Minister, Clement Apaak, the Ministry stressed that schools have a responsibility to protect and nurture students, particularly vulnerable children.
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“We condemn in the strongest terms any act of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under our care,” the Ministry said.
It further emphasised that the victim, being a minor, could not be held responsible for the abuse allegedly perpetrated against her by adults.
The Ministry said the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, had directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take immediate steps to address the situation and safeguard the welfare of the student.
Among the directives is an immediate investigation into the incident, with the GES expected to submit a report to the Ministry without delay.
The Education Minister has also directed that the student receive all necessary medical attention and counselling to support her recovery.
Additionally, Mr Iddrisu has ordered the immediate reinstatement of the victim’s boarding status.
The directive follows concerns surrounding the circumstances of the incident and the need to ensure that the affected student receives adequate protection and support within the school environment.
The Ministry assured the student’s family and the general public that it would take steps to ensure that justice is served.
It described the alleged abuse as an act of indiscipline and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and rights of children within Ghana’s school system.
The Ministry did not disclose further details about the investigation or the status of the two watchmen allegedly implicated in the incident.
It, however, maintained that any conduct that threatens the safety and wellbeing of students would be dealt with firmly.