Education Ministry orders reinstatement of BOGISS student after alleged sexual abuse

The Ministry of Education has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to reinstate the boarding status of a 14-year-old student of Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS) who allegedly suffered sexual assault by two security men at the school.

The Ministry has also directed the GES to ensure that the student receives the necessary medical attention and counselling to support her recovery.

The two watchmen have been interdicted by the GES and handed over to the Police to assist with investigations into the alleged incident.

“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 Ministry said in a statement issued on Thursday, August 20.

The student, who has autism, was allegedly sexually abused while she was experiencing a relapse and required medical attention.

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, had directed the GES to investigate the matter and report immediately.

“We want to assure the student's family and the general public that the Ministry will ensure justice is served in this matter,” it said.

The Ministry further described the incident as an act of indiscipline and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and rights of children within the Ghanaian school system.