CID must pursue Aburi SHS student’s death to its fullest, make findings public — EduWatch

The Africa Education Watch (EduWatch) has opined on the death of a first-year student at Aburi Girls Senior High School, Stacey Okyere.

In a statement dated February 12, EduWatch expressed sympathies to the bereaved family and welcomed the investigation launched into the matter by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

The group said the matter must be pursued to its conclusion with findings disclosed to all stakeholders and the general public.

“We welcome the investigation launched by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service into the incident and urge that the matter be pursued to its full conclusion, with findings made public,” said EduWatch.

EduWatch also observed that the unfortunate incident at Aburi Girls SHS was not isolated citing at least four previous reported cases of student deaths resulting from refusal of exeats by school authorities.

“This discretionary power, while being diligently exercised most times, is subject to abuse through among others, individual bias. In addition, the lack of case management protocols blurs accountability, as there are no standards to measure actions of duty bearers against,” said the education think tank.

The group has subsequently called on the Ghana Education Service and Ghana Health Service to develop clear guidelines and protocols for managing sick students to help address the gaps that potentially endanger lives.