Gov’t Outlines Measures to Strengthen Child Protection in Schools After Obuasi SHTS Abuse Reports
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has outlined measures being pursued to strengthen child protection in schools following reports of alleged sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School and concerns about abuse in schools nationwide.
The Minister disclosed the measures during a meeting with investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, whom she contacted after the story emerged to obtain a clearer understanding of the issues and explore appropriate interventions.
According to the Ministry, the meeting provided an opportunity for the journalist to share further information on the case to support its response.
Dr. Lartey explained that ahead of the meeting, she had engaged the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) as part of efforts to coordinate institutional responses, stressing that addressing such concerns requires collaboration among institutions with complementary mandates to ensure the protection and wellbeing of affected students.
As part of the measures, the Ministry will work with GES to strengthen existing policies, codes of conduct and relevant child protection provisions to ensure students are adequately protected in educational institutions across the country.
The interventions are intended to address systemic gaps and prevent similar incidents, including bullying and other forms of abuse on 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 institutional policies are consistent with national child protection laws and standards.
The Minister also assured 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 strengthen early reporting and response, she said the Ministry would work towards ensuring that its helpline numbers, alongside those of other relevant agencies, are prominently displayed on school campuses nationwide to make it easier for students to report abuse and seek timely assistance.
Mr Azure Awuni expressed appreciation to the Minister for taking keen interest in the matter and initiating the engagement.
Dr Lartey reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Education, GES, the Ministry of the Interior, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen coordination of child protection laws, improve reporting mechanisms, and promote safe learning environments for all children.
The public has been encouraged to report cases of child abuse and domestic violence through the Ministry’s Helpline of Hope call centre on 0800-111-222, 0800-800-800 or 0800-900-900.
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