Bolgatanga Girls’ SHS Reverses Decision to Penalize Sexual Abuse Victim After GES Intervention

Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS) has officially restored the boarding status of a student who was allegedly sexually abused by two school watchmen, following a direct intervention from the Ghana Education Service (GES). The decision to reinstate the student was formalized in a letter dated August 20, 2026, signed by the school’s headmistress, Gifty Ayamba. This move comes after the school faced significant criticism for its initial handling of the incident, which saw the victim's residential status changed from boarding to day for the duration of one academic year.

The controversy began when the student reported being sexually abused by two security guards employed at the institution. Rather than focusing solely on the disciplinary or criminal proceedings against the accused, the school administration initially moved the student to day status. This decision effectively forced the victim to commute to school while grappling with the trauma of the alleged assault. The Ministry of Education subsequently found this administrative measure unacceptable, asserting that a victim should not bear the burden of consequences stemming from an abuse case.

In the letter addressed to the student’s parent, Headmistress Gifty Ayamba expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the previous decision. The Ministry of Education has since underscored the necessity of protecting the rights and dignity of students, particularly those in vulnerable positions. The Ministry further emphasized that educational institutions have a primary duty to ensure the safety and welfare of all students within their care, rather than implementing policies that could be perceived as re-victimization.

As the student returns to the boarding house, authorities have confirmed that investigations into the alleged sexual abuse by the watchmen are still ongoing. This case has sparked a wider conversation regarding the protocols schools follow when handling sensitive cases of abuse and the importance of victim-centered approaches in the Ghanaian education system. The GES remains under pressure to ensure that such administrative lapses do not recur and that the legal process regarding the watchmen's actions proceeds with urgency.