The Domestic Violence Coalition has expressed profound concern over disturbing allegations of sexual abuse involving female students of the Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), calling for a thorough, independent and survivor-centred investigation.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Deborah Tayo Akakpo, the coalition said the matter came to public attention through recent media investigations and subsequent actions announced by the Ministry of Education (MoE),the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), Parliament and law enforcement authorities.
The coalition emphasised that the allegations must be treated first and foremost as child protection and gender-based violence issues, stating that every child has the constitutional right to dignity, protection from harm and access to education in a safe environment.
It said these rights are grounded in Ghana's Constitution, the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560), the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732), the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), the Child and Family Welfare Policy and the Justice for Children Policy, as well as regional and international instruments including the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the Maputo Protocol, CEDAW and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
While recognising due process and the presumption of innocence, the coalition said it was deeply concerned by reports suggesting complaints and warnings may have been raised long before decisive action was taken.
Actions
It first called for a comprehensive, independent investigation free from actual or perceived interference, which should examine not only allegations against individuals but also whether persons or institutions failed in their duty to prevent harm or protect students.
Second, immediate protection and support for affected students, including trauma-informed psychosocial support, medical care, legal assistance, educational support to prevent disruption of schooling and protection from retaliation, intimidation and victim-blaming, with strict protection of identities and privacy.
Third, accountability for institutional failures, holding responsible all persons who ignored, suppressed or mishandled complaints, regardless of position or influence.
Fourth, strengthening safeguarding systems in schools through a national review of child protection measures, safe and confidential reporting mechanisms, mandatory safeguarding training, clear response protocols and regular audits.
Fifth, a national commitment to ending sexual violence in schools, stating that no child should have to choose between reporting abuse and continuing education.
The coalition said the true measure of justice will not be determined solely by investigations or prosecutions, but by whether the case leads to stronger protections and safer schools, adding that it will continue to monitor progress to ensure survivors receive justice.
