By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, Oct. 22, GNA – The Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) has called for urgent action to address child sexual abuse, exploitation and institutional cover-ups.
It said allegations of sexual abuse involving students and the mishandling of such cases required prompt and impartial investigations, alongside effective measures to protect affected children.
The call was contained in a communiqué signed by Dr Hilda Boye, PSG President, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), following allegations of sexual abuse involving 19 students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
The Society condemned child abuse and the misuse of authority by persons entrusted with the care, education and protection of children.
“Abusing a child is indefensible, exploiting trust is unacceptable, and concealing abuse must never be tolerated,” it stated.
The PSG acknowledged the importance of due process but cautioned against its use to justify inaction, intimidation or shielding alleged perpetrators from scrutiny.
It said all allegations of abuse must be investigated promptly and impartially, with appropriate legal consequences for proven wrongdoing.
The Society urged the Government, law enforcement agencies, educational authorities, professional regulators, school proprietors and child-serving institutions to implement effective child protection measures.
It outlined six key demands, including prompt investigations into reported cases, immediate care and protection for affected children, safe reporting mechanisms in schools and other child-serving institutions, and an end to institutional cover-ups.
The other demands included stronger enforcement of child protection standards by relevant authorities and professional bodies, and measures to empower children to report abuse.
The PSG also called for coordinated action to protect affected children and witnesses, provide appropriate care and ensure sustained investment in child protection services.
It stressed that condemnation without action was insufficient and that commitments without implementation were unacceptable.
The PSG reaffirmed its commitment to child protection and pledged to work with relevant authorities and professionals to strengthen prevention, reporting and referral systems, as well as care for affected children.
It urged media practitioners and social media users to protect the identities and privacy of children affected by abuse and avoid sensationalism, speculation and victim-blaming.
“The safety and dignity of children must never be compromised. Every report of abuse must be taken seriously. Every institution must fulfil its duty to protect children,” the communiqué stated.
The Society called for decisive action, reiterating: “No cover-up. No intimidation. No impunity. No compromise on child protection.”
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Samira Larbie