In a recent development that has sparked widespread concern, the Ministry of Education has strongly condemned the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student with autism at Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS) located in the Upper East Region. This incident, involving two watchmen employed by the school, has been described by the Ministry as utterly unacceptable.
In an official statement released on Thursday, August 20, 2026, the Ministry underscored the fundamental responsibility of educational institutions to provide safe environments that protect, support, and nurture students. The statement emphasized, “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 Ministry further reiterated that a minor cannot be held accountable for sexual abuse inflicted upon her by an adult. In light of this grievous incident, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has instructed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to conduct an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse and to submit a comprehensive report.
Additionally, the GES has been tasked with ensuring that the affected student receives necessary medical care and counseling to aid in her recovery. The Minister has also directed that the student's boarding status be reinstated without delay.
The Ministry has assured both the student’s family and the general public that all necessary actions will be undertaken to guarantee a thorough investigation and to ensure that justice is served. The alleged incident has been characterized as a severe breach of discipline, and the Ministry has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety, dignity, and rights of every child within Ghana’s education system.
In response to these allegations, the Ghana Education Service has interdicted the two watchmen implicated in the incident. The individuals have been handed over to the police to assist with ongoing investigations. According to GES reports, the student was on medication and experienced a relapse on the day of the alleged incident, necessitating medical attention. It was during this period that the alleged sexual assault occurred.
The GES has assured the public that this matter is being addressed with utmost seriousness as investigations continue to unravel the full circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
