The National Council of Parent Teacher Associations (NCPTAs) has called for full accountability following the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student with autism at Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS).
The group has welcomed the response from the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Upper East Regional Police Command, but says further action is needed to ensure justice and prevent similar incidents in schools.
Police have arrested two suspects, identified as 38-year-old Elvis Adongo and 72-year-old Adams Nyaaba Iddrisu, in connection with the case. The GES has also interdicted two school watchmen reportedly linked to the incident.
The Ministry of Education has directed investigations into the matter and provided medical and psychosocial support for the affected student. It has also ordered the restoration of her boarding status.
However, the NCPTAs says the immediate measures should be followed by broader reforms to strengthen child protection across the country’s schools.
The group is calling for a nationwide vetting and audit of school security personnel. It wants the process to include background checks, as well as assessments of the age and physical fitness of personnel employed to protect students.
The NCPTAs is also demanding mandatory child protection training for school staff, with special attention to the needs of students with disabilities and other special educational needs.
It has further appealed to the Attorney-General, prosecutors and the Judiciary to ensure that the suspects are properly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with Ghanaian law.
According to the group, the case must not be allowed to disappear from public attention. It stressed that the affected student deserves justice, dignity and adequate protection throughout the process.
The NCPTAs has also urged Parent Teacher Associations across the country to work closely with schools and the GES to improve safeguarding systems. It said stronger collaboration among parents, schools and education authorities is necessary to create safer learning environments for all students.
