Education Ministry orders investigation into alleged abuse of autistic student at BOGISS
The Ghana Education Service has interdicted two watchmen and handed them to police after a 14-year-old student with autism was allegedly sexually abused at Bolgatanga Girls' Senior High School.
The Education Ministry has ordered an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student with autism at Bolgatanga Girls' Senior High School (BOGISS) in the Upper East Region.
It has also interdicted two watchmen accused in connection with the alleged assault and handed them over to the police to assist with investigations.
The Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the GES to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and submit a report.
The ministry said the student was allegedly sexually abused by the two watchmen employed by the school.
It described the incident as unacceptable and said schools had a responsibility to provide environments where students are protected and supported.
“We condemn in the strongest terms any act of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under our care,” the ministry said in a statement issued on Thursday.
It stressed that a child cannot be held responsible for sexual abuse committed against her by an adult.
Student to receive medical care and counselling
The GES has been directed to ensure that the student receives necessary medical attention and counselling.
The Education Minister has also ordered the immediate reinstatement of the student's boarding status.
The GES said the student was on medication and suffered a relapse on the day of the alleged incident, requiring medical attention.
It said the alleged sexual assault occurred during that period.
The service did not provide further details about the nature of the alleged assault or explain how the two watchmen came to be accused.
Police investigations
The two watchmen have been handed over to the police as investigations continue.
The GES said the investigation would establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The ministry has assured the student's family and the public that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure the matter is properly investigated and that justice is served.
It described the alleged incident as a serious breach of discipline and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and rights of children within Ghana's education system.
The allegations have not been established in court, and the two watchmen are entitled to due process.