The Mental Health Society of Ghana (MEHSOG) has called on the relevant state institutions to provide an official update on investigations into the reported and alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl with special needs at Bolga Girls Senior High School in the Upper East Region.
The incident, which was reported to have occurred on August 20, 2026, allegedly involved two security personnel of the school.
MEHSOG, together with the National Mental Health Alliance, first raised concerns over the matter on August 21, calling on the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to take urgent and appropriate action.
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The organisations called for a full, professional and impartial investigation, protection of the alleged victim, access to medical and mental health support, and prosecution where sufficient evidence is established.
However, more than a month after the reported incident, MEHSOG says it is yet to receive an official update on the status of the case and has therefore renewed its call for information from the relevant authorities.
In a follow-up statement issued by the organization and signed Mr Humphrey Matey Kofie, Executive Secretary of MEHSOG said the update was necessary because of the vulnerability of the child and the seriousness of the allegations, as well as the need to maintain public confidence in Ghana’s child-protection and criminal-justice systems.
MEHSOG is seeking clarification on the current welfare and whereabouts of the child and whether she has been provided with adequate protection and support.
The organisation is also asking whether the girl has received professional, trauma-informed mental health and psychosocial support, including counselling, and whether arrangements have been made to ensure continuity of care.
On education, MEHSOG wants to know whether the child has returned to Bolga Girls Senior High School or has been provided with an alternative educational arrangement.
It said that if she has returned to school, the authorities must ensure that appropriate safeguarding measures are in place to protect her from intimidation, retaliation, stigma, further trauma or any other form of harm.
The organisation is also seeking an update on any administrative or precautionary measures taken against the persons alleged to have been involved in the incident, pending the outcome of investigations.
It further wants to know the current status of the police investigation and whether the investigative docket, where appropriate, has been submitted to the Office of the Attorney-General for legal advice and possible prosecution.
MEHSOG said where evidence establishes a basis for criminal prosecution, the matter should be dealt with in accordance with due process and brought before a court of competent jurisdiction.
The organisation also called on the school, the Ghana Education Service and other relevant authorities to strengthen safeguarding measures to prevent further harm to the child and protect other students from similar incidents.
MEHSOG stressed, however, that its call for an update should not be interpreted as prejudging the outcome of the investigation or determining the guilt or innocence of any person.
It said allegations of such a serious nature must be resolved through a credible, professional and impartial investigative and judicial process, with all persons involved afforded the protections guaranteed by law.
At the same time, MEHSOG said the passage of time should not cause the matter to lose momentum, particularly because the case involves a child with additional vulnerabilities.
The organisation emphasised that the child’s mental health and psychosocial wellbeing should remain central to the response, noting that the effects of alleged sexual violence can extend beyond the immediate incident and affect a child’s emotional wellbeing, education, relationships, sense of safety and long-term development.
It therefore urged the authorities to ensure that the child receives appropriate professional support throughout the recovery process and is not exposed to further trauma through insensitive or inappropriate handling of the matter.
MEHSOG also reiterated that if the child has returned to school, a comprehensive safeguarding and psychosocial support plan should be implemented. If she has not returned, the organisation said her right to education must still be protected through a safe and appropriate alternative arrangement.
The organisation urged the relevant authorities to pursue the investigation to its lawful conclusion and, where the evidence supports criminal charges, ensure that the matter is promptly brought before a competent court.
MEHSOG said it would continue to monitor developments and engage the relevant institutions to advocate for the protection of children and persons with disabilities, access to mental health and psychosocial support, and access to justice for persons who may have experienced abuse.
It called on the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, the Director of Police CID Headquarters and the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to provide an appropriate public update, while respecting requirements relating to confidentiality, child protection and the integrity of any ongoing investigation or judicial proceedings.
By: Mohammed Suleman/ Publicagenda.news
