Eduwatch demands review of disciplinary action against BOGISS student

Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) has called for an independent review of disciplinary action taken against a 14-year-old student at Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School (BOGISS) following allegations of sexual abuse. Eduwatch argues that the student should be treated as a child needing protection and support, rather than being sanctioned for alleged sexual conduct involving adults.

The student's boarding status was reportedly withdrawn for one academic year after she was found guilty of "sexual misconduct." Eduwatch believes the decision should be reconsidered, especially considering the alleged perpetrators were adults at the school. The two security personnel involved have been arrested and are expected to face criminal proceedings.

Eduwatch welcomes the arrests but questions the basis for subjecting the student to disciplinary measures for alleged conduct involving adults. Ghanaian law does not recognize a child under 16 as capable of consenting to sexual intercourse with an adult. Eduwatch urges the Ghana Education Service (GES) to establish how the security personnel allegedly gained access to the student, if the school took immediate protective measures, and when school authorities first became aware of the allegations.

The organization also questions the use of the student's medical condition, such as autism, in determining the disciplinary action and demands a comprehensive review of the school's safeguarding practices. Eduwatch calls for the student to receive medical, psychosocial, and educational support along with protection from stigma.