Accra, Oct. 23, GNA – The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) Women’s Forum has called for a thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation into reported sexual assault and abuse allegations involving students of the Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS).
The Forum, in a statement issued on Thursday, condemned the alleged abuse and urged the relevant authorities to ensure that anyone found culpable was held accountable under the law.
It said the allegations, if proven, would constitute a grave violation of the law and an abuse of authority by persons entrusted with the care, education and protection of young people.
The Forum said schools must provide safe environments where students could learn and develop without fear, exploitation, or harm.
It commended the victims, their families and others who had reported the allegations, saying coming forward to report abuse required considerable courage.
It urged the authorities to treat survivors with dignity, compassion, and respect throughout the investigative and judicial processes.
The Forum commended some teachers at the school for supporting the girls and assisting them amid the allegations.
It acknowledged the media’s role in bringing the matter to public attention, saying the reports had highlighted concerns about the response of relevant authorities before the issue was exposed.
The Forum urged the Police to investigate the cases expeditiously and ensure that no individual was shielded from accountability.
It also called for prosecution to be pursued without undue delay where the evidence supported criminal charges.
It urged educational institutions to strengthen safeguarding mechanisms, reporting procedures and accountability measures to protect students from sexual abuse and exploitation.
The Forum said members of the legal profession remained committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting children’s rights and supporting efforts to prevent sexual violence.
“Children’s welfare and safety must remain a priority,” it said, and that conduct endangering, abusing or exploiting minors should not be tolerated.
It disclosed that some members had been contacted by concerned individuals from the school and were assisting the young women to pursue justice.
The Forum said it would continue to monitor the matter and support advocacy for adequate policies to protect girls and young people from sexual abuse in schools and other learning institutions.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Morkporkpor Anku
Email: [email protected]