Ministry of Education condemns BOGISS student abuse, orders boarding reinstatement

The Ministry of Education has ordered the immediate reinstatement of the boarding status of a 14-year-old student of Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS) who was allegedly sexually abused by two watchmen employed at the school.

The Ministry has also directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to investigate the incident and ensure that the student receives the necessary medical attention and counselling to support her recovery.

In a statement dated August 20, 2026, the Ministry strongly condemned the alleged abuse and stressed that schools have a responsibility to protect and nurture students, particularly vulnerable children.

“We condemn in the strongest terms any act of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under our care,” the Ministry said.

It added that any breach of the trust placed in adults responsible for safeguarding students was unacceptable and would not be tolerated.

GES interdicts two watchmen over alleged assault at Bolgatanga Girls SHS

“A minor cannot be held responsible for sexual abuse perpetrated against her by an adult,” it emphasized.

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has consequently directed the GES to investigate the matter and report immediately on its findings.

The GES has also been tasked with ensuring that the victim receives appropriate medical care and counselling, while her boarding status is restored immediately.

The Ministry assured the student’s family and the general public that it would ensure justice is served.

It described the incident as an act of indiscipline and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and rights of every child within Ghana’s school system

Read the statement below

August 20, 2026

For Immediate Release

*Ministry of Education Condemns Sexual Abuse of BOGESS 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

MRA/AM

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