Education Ministry Condemns Alleged Sexual Abuse of 14-Year-Old Student at Bolgatanga Girls’ SHS
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.
The Ministry said the student was allegedly sexually abused by two watchmen employed by the school.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 20, 2026, the Ministry described the incident as unacceptable and stressed that schools have a duty to provide safe environments where students are protected, supported and nurtured.
“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 statement said.
The Ministry further stressed 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 immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse and submit a report.
The GES has also been directed to ensure that the student receives the necessary medical attention and counselling to support her recovery.
Additionally, the Minister has directed the Service to immediately reinstate the student’s boarding status.
The Ministry assured the 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 described the alleged incident as a serious breach of discipline and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and rights of every child within Ghana’s education system.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service has interdicted the two watchmen accused in connection with the alleged assault.
The two have also been handed over to the Police to assist with investigations.
According to the GES, the student was on medication and suffered a relapse on the day of the alleged incident, requiring medical attention.
The Service said the alleged sexual assault occurred during that period.
The GES has assured the public that the matter is being treated with the seriousness it deserves, while investigations continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
