By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, Nov. 10, GNA – The Domestic Violence Coalition (DVC) has called for independent investigations and stronger institutional accountability over allegations of sexual abuse at the Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS).
The Coalition said the allegations involving female students underscored the need for a national review of child protection and safeguarding systems in educational institutions.
In a statement signed by Ms Deborah Tayo Akapkpo, the Coalition expressed concern over the reports and called for investigations into both the alleged abuse and the handling of complaints by the relevant authorities.
It welcomed the investigations and administrative measures announced by the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Parliament and law enforcement agencies.
The Coalition commended the survivors who had come forward despite the personal, social and psychological challenges associated with reporting sexual abuse.
It also acknowledged the contributions of parents, teachers, safeguarding officers and journalists in bringing the allegations to public attention.
The matter should be treated primarily as a child protection and gender-based violence issue, noting that every child had a constitutional right to dignity, protection from harm and access to education in a safe environment, it said.
The Coalition said that schools had a responsibility not only to educate children but also to ensure their care and protection, adding that allegations of breaches of that responsibility required thorough scrutiny and accountability.
It expressed concern over reports that complaints and warnings might have been raised before decisive action was taken and called for comprehensive, independent and survivor-centred investigations.
The DVC said the investigations should establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations and determine whether institutions or officials failed to discharge their responsibilities or respond appropriately to complaints.
It urged the relevant agencies to provide affected students with psychosocial support, medical care, legal assistance and educational support, while protecting them from intimidation, victimisation and stigma.
The Coalition also called for accountability where investigations established that complaints had been ignored, suppressed or mishandled, maintaining that responsibility should extend to individuals who enabled abuse or failed to act on reports brought to their attention.
To strengthen child protection in schools, it proposed a national review of safeguarding arrangements, confidential reporting mechanisms, mandatory safeguarding training for school personnel and regular compliance audits.
It said no child should have to choose between reporting abuse and continuing their education, while no institution should place its reputation above the safety of students.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
10 Nov. 2026
Reporter: Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Email: [email protected]