By Philip Tengzu, GNA
Wa, (UW/R), Oct. 27, GNA – The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) has called for a swift, transparent and impartial investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving 19 girls at Obuasi Senior High Technical School in the Ashanti Region.
The Coalition said the allegations, which reportedly implicated the school’s headmaster, raised concerns about similar alleged misconduct of the headmaster spanning decades.
The Coalition said this in a statement signed by Mr Freman Kanton, the Upper West Regional Chairperson, copied to the Ghana News Agency in Wa,
The statement acknowledged measures by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the police,but added that they must be followed by a thorough, transparent investigation that prioritises the safety, rights, and well-being of the alleged survivors.
“We recognise that the GES has suspended the headmaster, that the police have arrested him and granted bail, and that the Ghana Education Service (GES) is investigating the matter.
These are important steps. Nonetheless, they must be followed by a prompt, thorough, impartial and transparent process of investigation that places the safety and rights of the alleged survivors first”, the statement said.
The coalition called on the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), and relevant prosecuting authorities to expedite investigations and take all lawful steps to ensure accountability.
It further urged the authorities to ensure that the investigation was fair and without undue delay or political interference, to ensure justice was served.
The Coalition also called on public officials and members of the public to refrain from making statements or taking actions that could prejudice the investigations or expose the girls to further harm.
“The allegations are extremely distressing given that we live in a country of the rule of law, where these girls should be able to study in an environment free from these despicable atrocities exerted by an individual who has a duty of care to them”, the statement said.
The coalition therefore called on the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to conduct an independent investigation within its mandate to determine the protection of the girls’ rights and possible interference in the investigation process.
The statement also called on the Ministry of Education and school authorities to protect the girls from retaliation, intimidation and stigma, and to prevent contact that could compromise their well-being or the investigation.
Additionally, the coalition urged the MoGCSP, Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) and other relevant agencies to provide the survivors with confidential psychosocial, medical, legal and safeguarding support.
It appealed to the media and the public to report responsibly, avoid speculation, and refrain from blaming or shaming the survivors.
The coalition emphasised that the survivors must be treated with dignity and compassion, and their safety, privacy, access to support and right to be heard must remain central throughout the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
The statement indicated that the alleged incidents underscored the need for stronger safeguarding systems in educational institutions, including trusted reporting channels, staff training, and clear procedures for responding to alleged sexual abuse cases.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Philip Tengzu, GNA
Reporter’s email: [email protected]