The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has issued a stern warning to heads of senior high schools, advising them against denying sick students’ permission to seek external medical care.

Angel Carbonu, President of NAGRAT, emphasized the importance of allowing students to seek medical attention promptly. He criticized the practice of school authorities denying students medical leave, arguing that they are not qualified to assess the students’ health conditions.

“When a student comes to you, you are not a medical professional, so you cannot determine whether a student is sick or not because you don’t have competence in that field.
“So, when a student comes to you and says that he or she is sick, all that you have to do is refer the student to the appropriate professionals who have the competence to determine the sickness or otherwise of a person.”
Angel Carbonu, President of NAGRAT

Angel Carbonu further questioned, “What business does a housemaster or a housemistress have to deny a student exeat to go to the hospital?”

The recent judgment and NAGRAT’s warning follow several tragic incidents where students reportedly lost their lives due to the refusal of school authorities to grant them medical leave.

This directive comes in the wake of a recent high court judgment that found Achimota School liable for negligence in the death of a student in 2016.

On July 8, 2024, the High Court, presided over by Justice Comfort Kwasiwor Tasiame, ruled that Achimota School was negligent in the death of Kervin Kofi Moses, a General Arts student, who passed away in 2016.

The court held Mr. Danso, the Achimota Secondary School Board of Governors, and the Office of the Attorney-General responsible, awarding GH¢400,000 as general damages, GH¢200,000 for loss of expectation of life, and an additional GH¢10,000 to the plaintiffs for costs.

Recent Incidents Highlighting the Issue

In February 2024, a first-year student at Aburi Girls Senior High School (SHS) in the Eastern Region, Stacey Okyere, died after being denied timely medical attention. The 15-year-old complained of severe stomach pains but was allegedly dismissed by the school nurse, who accused her of feigning illness.

Despite later being rushed to the hospital, Stacey passed away, raising serious concerns about the school’s handling of her medical needs.

In another tragic case in February, Kester Vadje, a 19-year-old student at Akim Swedru Senior High School, died after his request for medical leave was denied. Kester complained of feeling unwell but was told by the housemaster that he did not appear sick. After several failed attempts to obtain an exeat, Kester called his father, who took him to the hospital.

Unfortunately, Kester’s condition deteriorated, and he was transferred to Akwatia St. Dominic Hospital, where he died shortly after admission. His family has since blamed the school for the delay in providing the necessary medical care, believing that timely intervention could have saved his life.

These incidents underscore the critical need for schools to reevaluate their policies regarding student health and medical care. NAGRAT’s president urged school leaders to prioritize the well-being of students by promptly referring them to medical professionals whenever they report feeling unwell.

Angel Carbonu reiterated that the lack of medical expertise among school staff should compel them to defer to those with the appropriate knowledge and skills.

The association’s warning aims to prevent further tragedies and ensure that no student is denied the medical attention they require. By adhering to this directive, schools can safeguard the health and lives of their students, fostering a safer and more supportive educational environment.

The high court’s ruling against Achimota School and the subsequent warning from NAGRAT highlight the urgent need for systemic changes in how senior high schools handle student health issues.

School authorities must recognize their limitations and act in the best interest of students by allowing them to access professional medical care without unnecessary delays. This shift is essential to prevent further loss of life and ensure that schools are safe places for all students.