The Zonta Clubs of Ghana have called on the Ministry of Education to take decisive action against sexual abuse of girls in schools and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable under the law.
The organisation said allegations of sexual abuse involving teachers and head teachers must be investigated promptly, while survivors must be protected from intimidation, victim-blaming and retaliation.
In a press release, the Zonta Clubs said the alleged abuse of girls by some male teachers and head teachers represented a serious breach of the trust placed in school authorities to protect children.
It said schools were expected to provide safe environments for children to learn and develop, and urged the Ministry of Education to demonstrate through concrete measures that the safety of children was a priority.
The organisation called for any teacher or head teacher found to have abused a child to face dismissal and prosecution in accordance with Ghana’s child protection and criminal laws.
It also called for independent investigations into reported cases, stressing that alleged perpetrators should not be shielded because of their positions or professional connections.
Accountability
The Zonta Clubs further urged authorities to hold school leaders and officials accountable where they failed to act on credible reports of abuse or attempted to conceal cases.
It said survivors should receive immediate protection and psychosocial support, while confidential reporting channels should be strengthened to encourage children and others to report abuse.
The organisation also called for regular monitoring of schools and stronger safeguarding systems to prevent sexual abuse and ensure that reported cases were handled appropriately.
“Let this be clear: A teacher’s position is not a licence to exploit a child, and a headmaster’s authority is not a shield against justice,” the statement said.
The Zonta Clubs said every survivor deserved justice, dignity and support, rather than silence or retaliation.
It urged the Ministry of Education to move beyond condemnation and take concrete steps to protect children and enforce the law.
The statement was issued on behalf of the Zonta Club of Accra, Zonta Club of Tema, Zonta Club of Accra II, Zonta Club of Accra Metropolitan and Zonta Club of Accra Jubilee.
It was signed by the President of the Zonta Club of Accra Metropolitan, Adodo Abla Adih-Nuviadenu.
