Accra, Sept. 29, GNA – The Mental Health Society of Ghana (MEHSOG) has called for an update on investigations and support provided to a 14-year-old girl with special needs, following an alleged sexual assault at Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School.
The organisation said more than a month after the incident, reported to have occurred on August 20, 2026, concerns remained about the child’s welfare, psychosocial support, education and the progress of police investigations and possible legal action.
In a statement signed by Mr Humphrey Matey Kofie, Executive Secretary of MEHSOG, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, the organisation sought clarity on steps taken by the Ghana Education Service, Ministry of Education, Ghana Police Service and Office of the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.
MEHSOG recalled that on August 21, 2026, it joined the National Mental Health Alliance to express concern over the allegations and call for a professional and impartial investigation.
The organisation said it also called for protection of the alleged victim, access to medical, mental health and psychosocial support, and prosecution where sufficient evidence was established.
MEHSOG noted that given the child’s vulnerability and the seriousness of the allegations, it was seeking an official update in the interest of her welfare, public accountability and confidence in the country’s child protection and criminal justice systems.
It urged the Ghana Education Service, Ministry of Education, Ghana Police Service and Attorney-General’s Department to provide an update without disclosing information that could compromise investigations, the child’s privacy or the legal rights of anyone involved.
MEHSOG specifically requested information on the child’s current welfare, safety, and whereabouts, including whether appropriate protection and support had been provided.
It also sought confirmation on whether the child had received trauma-informed mental health and psychosocial support, including counselling and other services needed for her recovery.
The organisation further requested clarification on the girl’s educational status, including whether she had returned to school or had been provided with an alternative educational arrangement.
According to the statement, if the child had returned to school, appropriate safeguarding measures should be in place to protect her from intimidation, retaliation, stigma, or further trauma.
MEHSOG also requested information on the status of the alleged perpetrators, including whether they had been interdicted, suspended, reassigned, or removed from duty pending completion of investigations.
The organisation further asked whether investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service had been completed and, if not, what stage they had reached.
It also sought clarification on whether any investigative docket had been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General for legal advice or prosecution.
The statement also requested information on measures introduced by the school, Ghana Education Service, and other authorities to prevent similar incidents and protect students.
MEHSOG stressed that its intervention was not intended to prejudge the outcome of any investigation or determine the guilt or innocence of any individual.
It said allegations of this nature must be addressed through a credible, professional, and impartial investigative and judicial process, with all parties receiving the protections guaranteed by law.
The organisation, however, cautioned against allowing the passage of time to weaken public attention or institutional commitment to the matter.
According to MEHSOG, allegations of sexual assault against children, particularly those with additional vulnerabilities, require greater attention to protection, accountability, access to justice and psychological recovery.
It expressed particular concern about the child’s mental health and psychosocial wellbeing.
It noted that the effects of alleged sexual violence could extend beyond the immediate incident and affect emotional wellbeing, education, relationships, personal safety, and long-term development.
MEHSOG therefore urged that appropriate professional support be maintained throughout the recovery process and that the child is not exposed to further trauma through insensitive handling of the case.
The organisation said if the child had returned to school, a comprehensive safeguarding and psychosocial support plan should be in place.
If she had not returned to school, it said her right to education should be protected through a safe and appropriate alternative educational arrangement.
MEHSOG also called for the investigation to be pursued to its lawful conclusion and for any matter supported by sufficient evidence to be brought before a court of competent jurisdiction.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to monitoring developments and advocating for the protection of children and persons with disabilities, access to mental health and psychosocial support, and access to justice for victims of abuse.
It renewed its appeal to the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, Police CID Headquarters and Office of the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to provide an appropriate public update, subject to child protection, confidentiality, and investigative requirements.
“The child must be protected. The investigation must be completed. Due process must be respected. And where the evidence establishes criminal responsibility, the law must take its course”, it stated.
MEHSOG said the public had a legitimate interest in knowing that allegations involving vulnerable children were being handled with urgency, transparency, professionalism, and accountability.
The organisation added that it would continue to follow developments and engage relevant institutions to ensure that the safety, dignity, mental health, rights, and best interests of the child remained paramount.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Linda Asante Agyei