The Mental Health Society of Ghana (MEHSOG) and the National Mental Health Alliance have called for an immediate and comprehensive criminal investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl with special needs at the Bolga Girls Senior High School in the Upper East Region.
According to the two organisations, the alleged incident occurred on August 20, 2026, and reportedly involved two security personnel of the school.
In a press statement issued on August 21, MEHSOG and the National Mental Health Alliance said they were “deeply disturbed” by the reported incident, particularly because the alleged victim is a child with special needs who requires additional care, protection and attention.
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The groups said reports that the girl had experienced a relapse prior to the alleged incident further underscored her vulnerability and the responsibility of institutions and individuals entrusted with her safety.
Call for CID investigation
The organisations are urging the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to immediately commence a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations.
They want investigators to promptly interview relevant witnesses and secure and examine medical, forensic, documentary and electronic evidence that could assist in establishing the facts of the case.
They also called on the police to investigate anyone reasonably suspected of involvement “without fear or favour” while ensuring that the alleged victim is treated with dignity throughout the process.
MEHSOG and the National Mental Health Alliance specifically urged authorities to adopt a child-sensitive, disability-inclusive and trauma-informed approach when investigating the case.
They further called for measures to protect the girl from intimidation, retaliation, stigma and further psychological harm.
The organisations also want the completed investigative docket submitted expeditiously to the appropriate prosecutorial authority.
Attorney-General urged to act
The two mental health advocacy organisations have also appealed to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to give the case the necessary prosecutorial attention once the police investigation is completed.
They said where evidence establishes a basis for prosecution, the Office of the Attorney-General should ensure that those allegedly responsible are prosecuted under Ghana’s criminal laws.
“ No individual should be shielded from accountability where criminal culpability is established,” the groups said, while stressing that every accused person remains entitled to constitutional guarantees of due process and a fair trial.
They said justice must therefore be pursued through lawful institutions and in accordance with the rule of law.
Child’s welfare must come first
MEHSOG and the National Mental Health Alliance also called on the school, health professionals, social welfare officers and other child protection stakeholders to prioritise the physical and psychological wellbeing of the alleged victim.
They urged the relevant authorities to ensure that the girl receives medical attention, mental health and psychosocial support, child protection and safeguarding services, family support where necessary, and legal protection throughout the criminal justice process.
The groups also cautioned the public and media against publishing or circulating photographs, videos or other information that could identify the child.
According to them, exposing the identity of the alleged victim could subject her to stigma, secondary victimisation and further emotional harm.
Groups to monitor case
MEHSOG and the National Mental Health Alliance said they would continue to follow the matter closely and advocate for justice, accountability and the protection of the rights and wellbeing of the alleged victim.
They stressed that allegations involving the sexual abuse of a vulnerable child must be handled with urgency, integrity and professionalism, while respecting the rule of law and the rights of all parties.
“Justice must be pursued. The child must be protected. The law must take its course,” the organisations said.
Source : Publicagenda.news
