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.
According to the Ministry, the student was allegedly sexually abused by two watchmen employed at the school.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 20, 2026, the Ministry described the incident as a serious breach of the duty of care owed to students and said those responsible must be held accountable.
“We condemn in the strongest terms any act of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under our care,” the Ministry stated.
“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 also stressed that the victim must not be blamed for the abuse, emphasising that responsibility rests solely with the perpetrators.
“We wish to state unequivocally that a minor cannot be held responsible for sexual abuse perpetrated against her by an adult,” the statement said.
Minister Directs GES to Act
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take immediate steps to address the matter.
The directives include an immediate investigation into the incident and the submission of a report to the Ministry.
The GES has also been instructed to ensure that the student receives all necessary medical attention and counselling to support her recovery.
Additionally, the Minister has directed that the student’s boarding status at BOGISS be restored immediately.
The Ministry said it remains committed to ensuring justice for the student and providing support to her family.
“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 described the alleged abuse as an act of indiscipline and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and rights of children within Ghana’s school system.
The statement was signed by Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, MP, Deputy Minister for Education.
