Youth Bridge Foundation calls for justice, student protection in Obuasi SHTS abuse case

The Youth Bridge Foundation (YBF) has called for justice, accountability, and enhanced protection for students following allegations of sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS). The non-governmental organisation expressed concern over the safety of students and the responsibility of school authorities to safeguard them.

The foundation noted that complaints about sexual misconduct had been previously reported to school authorities and other officials, and urged a thorough investigation into these earlier complaints to determine if school officials appropriately responded. YBF emphasized the need for an impartial investigation to hold accountable anyone found guilty of misconduct.

Additionally, the foundation called for psychosocial support for affected students and measures to protect their safety and education during the investigation. The foundation reminded that legal protections for children, including the 1992 Constitution, the Children’s Act, the Criminal Offences Act, and Ghana's obligations under international conventions, must be enforced.

YBF stressed that the response should not only focus on the individual accused but also examine potential institutional failures to protect students and strengthen systems designed for their safety. The case of alleged abuse at SHTS has garnered national attention, with 16 students reportedly coming forward with allegations. The Ghana Education Service has temporarily removed the school's headmaster and two directors of education from their posts pending the outcome of the investigation.