GFD condemns BOGISS over disciplinary action against 14-year-old allegedly abused by watchmen

The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) has strongly condemned the disciplinary actions taken against a 14-year-old student of Bolgatanga Girls' Senior High School (BOGISS) who allegedly suffered sexual abuse by two school watchmen. The GFD believes the measures taken were a "textbook case of institutional betrayal" and that the student should have been treated as a victim in need of protection and support, not a perpetrator.

The GFD argues that a child, including those with disabilities, cannot consent to sexual intercourse with adults and that, if the allegations are true, those responsible should be held criminally accountable. The Federation is particularly concerned that disciplinary action was taken before the matter was fully investigated as a child protection case.

Two watchmen employed by the school have been arrested and handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation. The Ministry of Education has directed the GES to investigate the incident and ensure the student receives medical attention and counselling, and has ordered the immediate reinstatement of the student's boarding status.

The GFD demands that all disciplinary sanctions be reversed, including the removal of the "sexual misconduct" finding from the student's record, and an independent safeguarding audit of BOGISS.