Accra, Aug. 22, GNA – The Mental Health Society of Ghana (MEHSOG) and the National Mental Health Alliance have called for a full criminal investigation into an alleged sexual incident reported at Bolga Girls Senior High School (SHS).
In a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, the organisations said the case involved the reported and alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl with special needs and reportedly implicated two school security personnel.
The statement, signed by MEHSOG Executive Secretary Mr Humphrey Matey Kofie, said the organisations learnt “with profound concern” of the reported incident, which allegedly occurred on August 20, 2026. It said two school security personnel were reportedly involved.
The groups noted that they were deeply disturbed because the reported victim is “a child, a minor and a highly vulnerable person requiring special protection, care and attention”.
According to the statement, reports indicate the girl had experienced a relapse before the alleged incident, further underscoring her vulnerability and the heightened duty of care owed to her.
MEHSOG and the Alliance described the matter as involving “serious criminal allegations” that must be investigated “thoroughly, professionally and impartially in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Ghana”.
They added that the constitutional rights of all persons involved must be respected and that the criminal justice process should proceed strictly based on evidence and due process.
The organisations called on the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to immediately initiate a comprehensive investigation into the alleged incident.
They urged investigators to promptly interview all relevant witnesses and properly secure, preserve and examine medical, forensic, documentary and electronic evidence.
The groups also called for investigations into all persons reasonably suspected of involvement “without fear or favour”.
They further urged that the alleged victim be treated with dignity and compassion through a “child-sensitive, disability-inclusive and trauma-informed investigative process”.
The statement asked authorities to take every lawful measure to protect the child from intimidation, retaliation, stigma and further psychological harm throughout the investigation.
It also called for the completed investigative docket to be submitted expeditiously to the appropriate prosecutorial authority in line with Ghana’s criminal procedure laws.
The organisations further appealed to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to give the matter the necessary prosecutorial attention upon receipt of the docket.
“Where the evidence establishes a basis for prosecution, we respectfully urge the Office of the Attorney-General to ensure that the alleged perpetrators are prosecuted in accordance with the applicable criminal laws of Ghana,” the statement said.
It said this would ensure “justice is determined by a competent court of law”.
The groups maintained that “no individual should be shielded from accountability where criminal culpability is established”. They stressed that every accused person remains entitled to due process and a fair trial.
They said the child’s physical safety, psychological wellbeing, dignity and privacy must remain the paramount consideration of every institution handling the matter.
The statement urged authorities, the school, health professionals, social welfare officers and child protection stakeholders to ensure that she received medical attention, mental health and psychosocial support, and safeguarding services.
It also called for family support where necessary and legal protection throughout the criminal justice process.
It further cautioned against publishing or circulating information, photographs, videos or other material capable of identifying the child. Such actions, it warned, could expose her to stigma, secondary victimisation and further emotional harm.
The organisations said they would “follow this matter with keen interest” and continue to advocate for justice, accountability and the protection of the alleged victim’s rights and wellbeing.
“The public deserves confidence that allegations involving the sexual abuse of a vulnerable child will be handled with urgency, integrity, professionalism and absolute respect for the rule of law,” it said.
“Justice must be pursued. The child must be protected. The law must take its course.”
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/ Keneth Odeng Adade