Obuasi SHTS Sex Scandal: Gender Minister moves to intensify child protection in schools

Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has outlined measures being pursued by the Ministry in collaboration with relevant institutions to strengthen child protection in schools following reports of alleged sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School and concerns about abuse in schools across the country.

The minister in a statement released on October 19, 2026, disclosed that she had a meeting with investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, whom she contacted following the emergence of the story to obtain a clearer understanding of the issues and explore appropriate interventions by the Ministry.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the journalist to share further information on the case to support the Ministry's response.

Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey explained that, ahead of the meeting, she engaged the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) as part of efforts to coordinate the relevant institutional responses.

She emphasised that addressing concerns of this nature requires collaboration among institutions with complementary mandates to ensure the protection and wellbeing of the affected students and promote justice.

As part of measures being pursued, the Minister indicated that the Ministry would work with GES to strengthen existing policies, codes of conduct and relevant child protection provisions to ensure that students are adequately protected in educational institutions across the country.

The proposed measures are intended to address systemic gaps and prevent similar incidents, including bullying and other forms of abuse on school campuses.

She further disclosed that a technical representative from the Ministry would work with GES as part of a broader long-term approach to strengthening child safeguarding mechanisms and ensuring that institutional policies and practices are consistent with national child protection laws and standards.

The minister also gave assurance that the Ministry would continue to work with relevant institutions to support the affected students and their families, including access to appropriate medical screening and psychosocial support to promote their recovery and wellbeing.

To strengthen early reporting and response, the minister said the Ministry would work towards ensuring that its helpline numbers, alongside those of other relevant agencies, are prominently displayed on school campuses across the country.

The initiative is intended to make it easier for students to report abuse, threats to their safety and other protection concerns and to seek timely assistance.

Azure Awuni expressed appreciation to the Minister for taking a keen interest in the matter and for initiating the engagement.

He welcomed the opportunity to share information that could assist the Ministry in identifying appropriate interventions.

Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, on behalf of the Ministry of Gender, reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Ministry of the Interior, law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen the coordination and implementation of child protection laws and policies, improve reporting and response mechanisms, and promote safe learning environments for all children.

The public is encouraged to report cases of child abuse, domestic violence and other social protection concerns through the Ministry’s Helpline of Hope call centre on 0800-111-222, 0800-800-800 or 0800-900-900.