RISE-Ghana, a human rights and sustainable development organisation, has called for urgent action to strengthen child protection and institutional accountability following allegations of sexual abuse involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, who is also a contender for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency chairmanship position in Juaben

In a press release, the organisation said the allegations, which were the subject of a report by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, raise serious questions about child safety, institutional responsibility and the standards expected of individuals entrusted with public leadership

RISE-Ghana stressed that the allegations must be investigated fairly and impartially, emphasising that allegations alone do not establish guilt and that the presumption of innocence must be respected

However, the organisation cautioned that due process should not become a justification for inaction, the silencing of complainants or the neglect of safeguarding responsibilities

Child protection must be a priority

The organisation underscored that every child has the right to safety, dignity and protection from sexual abuse, exploitation and intimidation

It maintained that schools must provide safe environments for students and that teachers and school administrators have both professional and moral obligations to protect children under their care

RISE-Ghana further argued that safeguarding measures must not be introduced only when allegations attract public attention. Instead, schools and relevant institutions must establish effective prevention mechanisms, accessible reporting channels, clear referral procedures and safeguards against retaliation

Citing UNICEF Ghana, the organisation noted that more than one in ten girls aged 15 to 19 have experienced at least one act of sexual violence

The organisation said the reported situation reinforces the need for stronger child protection systems and effective implementation of existing safeguarding policies

NDC’s reported call to step down not enough

RISE-Ghana acknowledged the reported call by the NDC for the individual concerned to step down, but maintained that resignation alone cannot replace a credible investigation and appropriate action by the relevant authorities

According to the organisation, accountability must be pursued through established procedures, irrespective of an individual’s political affiliation, experience or ambitions

It also called on political parties to ensure that ethical conduct and child safeguarding standards are considered during leadership selection and vetting processes

Five demands from RISE-Ghana

To strengthen child protection and accountability, RISE-Ghana has called on education stakeholders, mandated agencies and political parties to take five key actions :

1. Conduct a fair and timely investigation: Ensure an impartial investigation free from political interference

2. Protect affected students: Safeguard their privacy, dignity and welfare while preventing intimidation, retaliation and public exposure

3. Strengthen school safeguarding systems: Improve staff codes of conduct, confidential reporting mechanisms and clear referral procedures

4. Enforce ethical leadership standards: Apply appropriate conduct and safeguarding requirements in political leadership selection and vetting

5. Protect those who speak up: Ensure that children, parents, whistleblowers and other individuals who report concerns in good faith are protected from intimidation and retaliation

Ghana must not ignore these questions

RISE-Ghana has challenged education authorities and other relevant institutions to examine whether schools are adequately equipped to prevent and respond to abuse

The organisation raised concerns about whether children can report abuse safely, whether safeguarding policies are effectively implemented and who is held accountable when protection systems fail

It also urged the media and the public to sustain informed scrutiny without identifying minors, presenting unverified claims as established facts or circulating information that could harm children or compromise investigations

The organisation emphasised that protecting children must remain a shared responsibility involving schools, parents, government agencies, political parties and the wider public

No political affiliation should place anyone beyond scrutiny

RISE-Ghana concluded that the safety and dignity of children must take precedence over political ambition, personal loyalty and institutional reputation

“A child should never have to choose between speaking up and feeling safe,” the organisation stated, adding that no political affiliation should place anyone beyond scrutiny

Source – gbcuraonlune.com

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