Gender Ministry Deploys Support Team to Obuasi SHS Over Alleged Sexual Abuse
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has deployed a team of social welfare and child protection officers to Obuasi Senior High Technical School (OSECTEC) in the Ashanti Region to provide psychosocial and welfare support to students affected by an alleged sexual abuse incident.
The team, deployed on Wednesday, comprises officers from the Department of Social Welfare, the Domestic Violence Secretariat and the Department of Children.
Its immediate task was to assess the needs of the affected students and coordinate interventions to support their safety, recovery and well-being.
The team is engaging the students and their families, as well as education authorities and other regional and district stakeholders, to establish the support available and identify gaps requiring urgent attention.
The Ministry said its response would address both the immediate needs of the students and the longer-term effects of the alleged abuse, which could affect their emotional well-being, confidence, education and prospects.
Where necessary, the team would facilitate referrals to health facilities and specialised mental health and psychosocial support services. Any medical assessments will be conducted by qualified health professionals in line with consent, confidentiality and child safeguarding requirements.
The Ministry has stressed that all engagements will prioritise the dignity, safety, privacy and best interests of the students, with measures in place to prevent further distress, stigmatisation or victimisation.
It is also working with relevant institutions to coordinate assistance, avoid duplication of services and ensure that affected students and their families receive continued support.
Beyond the immediate intervention, the Ministry said it would work with the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Ghana Police Service and other stakeholders to identify gaps in existing child protection systems and strengthen measures to prevent and respond to abuse in schools.
The Ministry reiterated that sexual abuse and all forms of violence against children were unacceptable, urging school authorities, parents, teachers and the public to take allegations seriously and report suspected cases promptly.
Members of the public can report suspected child abuse to the Ghana Police Service or seek assistance through the Ministry’s Helpline of Hope Call Centre and Orange Support Centre on 0800-800-800, 0800-900-900, 0800-111-222 or WhatsApp 0551757575.
Grace Acheampong, ISD
