The Ministry of Education has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to conduct an immediate investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student with autism at the Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS) in the Upper East Region.
The alleged incident, which has sparked concern over the safety and protection of vulnerable students in Ghana’s educational institutions, reportedly involved two watchmen employed by the school. In a statement issued on Thursday, August 20, 2026, the Ministry strongly condemned the alleged abuse and described it as a serious violation of the responsibility placed on schools to protect students under their care.
The Ministry said schools are expected to provide safe and supportive environments where children can learn, develop and receive the necessary protection from harm, particularly those who may require additional care and support. “We condemn in the strongest terms any act of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under our care,” the Ministry stated.
It added that schools exist to protect and nurture students, stressing that any breach of that trust, especially by adults entrusted with safeguarding children, would not be tolerated. The Ministry further emphasised that the responsibility for sexual abuse lies entirely with the perpetrator and that a minor cannot be blamed or held responsible for abuse allegedly committed against her by an adult.
Following the reports, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, directed the Ghana Education Service to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse. The GES has been instructed to establish what happened, determine the circumstances that led to the alleged incident and submit a report on its findings.
The directive forms part of efforts by the Ministry and the GES to ensure that allegations of abuse involving students are promptly investigated and appropriately addressed. The Ministry also directed the GES to ensure that the affected student receives the necessary medical attention and counselling. The measures are intended to support the student’s physical and emotional wellbeing while investigations into the alleged incident continue.
In addition, the Education Minister has directed the Service to immediately reinstate the student’s boarding status. The directive is expected to enable the student to return to the boarding arrangement while receiving the necessary support and protection within the school environment.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service has interdicted the two watchmen accused in connection with the alleged sexual assault. The two individuals have also been handed over to the Police to assist with ongoing investigations into the matter. Their interdiction means they have been removed from active duties while the relevant authorities work to establish the facts surrounding the allegations.
The GES said it was treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves and would cooperate with the appropriate authorities as investigations proceed. According to information provided by the GES, the student was on medication and suffered a relapse on the day of the alleged incident. The relapse reportedly required her to receive medical attention, and it was during this period that the alleged sexual assault is said to have occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the student’s condition, the alleged assault and the actions of those responsible for her care are expected to form part of the ongoing investigations. The case has also renewed attention on the need for stronger safeguarding mechanisms within schools, particularly for students with disabilities and other vulnerabilities.
Students with special educational and support needs may require additional supervision and protection, making it essential for schools to maintain effective systems for identifying and responding to potential risks. The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and rights of every child within Ghana’s education system. It said the alleged incident constituted a serious breach of discipline and the trust placed in adults working within educational institutions.
The Ministry assured the affected student’s family and the general public that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure that the matter is properly investigated and that justice is served. It also stressed that the welfare of the student remains a priority as the relevant authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the case. The Police are expected to conduct their own investigations into the allegations involving the two watchmen, while the GES pursues its administrative inquiry.
The outcome of the investigations could determine the next steps, including possible criminal prosecution if the allegations are established. The Ministry’s intervention comes amid growing calls for schools across the country to strengthen measures designed to prevent sexual abuse, harassment and other forms of violence against students.
For parents and guardians, the incident underscores the importance of ensuring that schools maintain effective safeguarding systems and that allegations involving children are handled promptly and transparently. As investigations continue, the Education Ministry has urged all relevant institutions to prioritise the wellbeing of the affected student while ensuring that due process is followed.
The Ministry maintained that every child within Ghana’s education system deserves to learn in an environment where their safety, dignity and rights are protected, and that any individual who breaches that trust must be held accountable in accordance with the law.
By: Philbert Amiba Ayuusah