Plan International calls for probe into alleged abuse in Obuasi
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on MyJoyOnline
Plan International Ghana is calling for an independent investigation into sexual abuse allegations involving students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School and its headmaster. The organisation is also calling for child protection reforms in Ghanaian schools and support for the affected students, according to its statement.
Plan International Ghana has called for independent investigations into allegations of sexual abuse involving students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School and the school’s headmaster. The organisation also called for a comprehensive reform of child protection systems in Ghanaian schools, according to a statement from Plan International Ghana.
The NGO said any dismissal or sanction of the headmaster would not be enough to address the institutional failings. It called for the investigations to examine in particular how previous complaints were handled and for those responsible to be prosecuted in accordance with the law and due process. Plan International Ghana also recommended confidential, trauma-informed psychosocial support, healthcare, legal assistance and continued schooling for the affected students.
The organisation called on the authorities to create confidential reporting channels, improve protection for whistleblowers and require teachers and school officials to receive training on safeguarding pupils and professional boundaries. It also proposed a national review of how sexual abuse complaints in schools are handled, accompanied by an action timetable to address gaps in existing policies and laws. These demands follow previous calls for justice after allegations involving 19 students in Obuasi.
