A 14-year-old British boy has lost his High Court appeal to return to the UK from Ghana, where he has lived since March 2024.
The judge ruled he must remain with family until completing the equivalent of his GCSEs, citing concerns about his safety and behavior in London.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was taken to Ghana under the pretense of visiting a sick relative. He later discovered his parents intended for him to stay there permanently. Court documents show they were worried about his repeated school absences, unexplained cash, and an alleged incident involving a knife—claims the boy denied.
He told the court he felt isolated, struggled to make friends without speaking Twi, and described life in Ghana as “living in hell.”
His initial application to return was rejected on the grounds that he faced greater risks in the UK. The Court of Appeal allowed a rehearing, but on Tuesday, Mrs Justice Theis upheld the decision.
She said: “I am acutely aware this does not match his wishes. But he has the ability to succeed here with family support. It will be difficult, but they share the goal of family unity.”
The judge ordered continued schooling in Ghana and local authority-funded family therapy, with a review before his return.
His solicitor, James Netto, said: “He never wanted to sue his parents, but their actions left him no choice. He still wants to come home.”
The boy’s mother said: “It’s hard being apart, but I feared he could end up dead if he returned now.”
