Ministry of Education Orders Reinstatement to Boarding Status of Autistic BOGISS Student After Alleged Sexual Abuse by Watchmen

By – Sadat Dabo 

The Ministry of Education has strongly condemned the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student with autism at Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS), describing the incident as a serious breach of trust and an unacceptable act against a child under the care of the school

The victim is alleged to have been sexually abused by two watchmen employed at the school

The Ministry said it is deeply disturbed by the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and rights of every child in Ghana’s education system

“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 on Thursday August 20, 2026

The Ministry stressed that under no circumstances should the victim be blamed, stating unequivocally that a minor cannot be held responsible for sexual abuse perpetrated against her by an adult.

In response to the incident, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to immediately investigate the matter and submit a report, ensure the victim receives the necessary medical care and psychological counselling, and restore her boarding status without delay

The Ministry also assured the student’s family and the general public that justice would be pursued and that all appropriate measures would be taken to protect the victim and hold those responsible accountable.

The statement, signed by Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Abas Apaak (MP), described the incident as an act of indiscipline and reiterated the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding students across the country

Full statement below :

August 20, 2026

For Immediate Release

Ministry of Education Condemns Sexual Abuse of BOGISS Student, Directs Her Reinstatement to Boarding Status Amongst Others

The Ministry of Education has expressed grave concerns over the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student with autism at Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS) in the Upper East Region by two watchmen employed at the school.

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.

We wish to state unequivocally that a minor cannot be held responsible for sexual abuse perpetrated against her by an adult.

The Honorable Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to:
1. Investigate the matter and report immediately.
2. Ensure that the victim receives all the necessary medical attention and counselling for her quick recovery.
3. Immediately reinstate the boarding status of the victim.

We want to assure the student’s family and the general public that the Ministry will ensure justice is served in this matter.

The Ministry of Education sees the development as an act of indiscipline and reaffirms its commitment to the safety, dignity, and rights of every child in the Ghanaian school system.

Signed
Dr. Clement Abas Apaak (MP)
Deputy Minister for Education