The Deputy Director of Campaigns and Advocacy for the NDC Youth Wing, Reginald Achiesu Boateng, has called for accountability and independent reporting channels for students following allegations of sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
Speaking on the News Review segment of the AM Club, Reginald urged the public to approach the matter without political bias, stressing that the welfare and future of the affected students must take priority over the political affiliations or social standing of anyone implicated.
He warned that sexual abuse could leave lasting psychological and emotional scars on victims, potentially affecting their confidence, relationships and interactions with society.
Mr Boateng also rejected suggestions that students could be blamed for the alleged abuse, insisting that teachers have a responsibility to protect learners entrusted to their care.
“Teachers have a responsibility towards their students, and one of the responsibilities bestowed on them by their parents is to ensure that they take care of their kids and not abuse them,” he said.
He called for thorough investigations and appropriate legal action against anyone found culpable, regardless of their position, connections or record in the education sector.
Mr Boateng further urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) to strengthen safeguards for students, proposing the establishment of regional helplines staffed by trained personnel to receive and respond to reports of abuse.
He expressed concern that school-based reporting mechanisms may fail learners when complaints are ignored or when individuals expected to protect students are themselves implicated in alleged misconduct.
He said independent reporting channels would give students a safer alternative to reporting abuse within their schools and help ensure that complaints receive the urgent attention they require.
