The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has engaged students affected by the alleged sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to their safety, dignity and well-being as authorities continue investigating the allegations.
The engagement allowed the Minister to listen to the students’ concerns and discuss support with relevant institutions. It forms part of a wider response that includes an advance team tasked with meeting the students and their families, assessing their needs and coordinating appropriate interventions.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection remains committed to working with relevant institutions to protect children’s rights, support affected students and strengthen the systems intended to ensure that schools remain safe environments for learning and development.
Dr Lartey used the engagement to interact directly with the affected students and hear their concerns. The Ministry indicated that the meeting was intended to ensure those concerns receive the necessary attention while appropriate support is organised.
Hon. Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey
“The affected students deserve to be heard, treated with compassion and given the necessary assistance to navigate this difficult experience. We will continue to work with relevant institutions to ensure their needs are addressed without exposing them to stigma, neglect or further harm.”
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with relevant institutions throughout the process. The engagement also provided an opportunity to emphasise that the students’ welfare must remain central as authorities examine the allegations.
According to the Ministry’s account, Dr Lartey stressed that the students’ “welfare, safety and dignity remain paramount”. She noted that support must reflect the circumstances and individual needs of those affected, rather than follow an approach that overlooks their personal experiences.
Confidentiality and Protection Remain Central
The Minister highlighted the need for sensitivity and confidentiality when engaging the students. She also stressed the importance of preventing further distress, stigma and victimisation, particularly while the relevant authorities continue their investigations.
Dr Lartey emphasised that a coordinated response must address individual needs while safeguarding the students from further harm. The Ministry’s account described this as requiring “sensitivity, confidentiality and a coordinated approach”, with relevant institutions working together to provide appropriate support.
The engagement forms part of a response that includes the deployment of an advance team made up of officers from the Department of Social Welfare, the Domestic Violence Secretariat and the Department of Children.
The team’s responsibilities include engaging the affected students and their families, assessing their needs and coordinating appropriate interventions. Its work is intended to help the Ministry understand the support required and organise responses with the relevant stakeholders.
“No child should suffer abuse or be left without support and protection. We will work closely with the relevant institutions to safeguard the affected students, protect their dignity and ensure their welfare remains a priority throughout the investigation.”
Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey
Ministry to Coordinate with Relevant Institutions
Dr Lartey assured that her Ministry would continue working with the Ghana Education Service, social welfare officers, health professionals and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the students receive appropriate support.
The statement did not indicate whether the investigations had reached any conclusions, and the allegations remain subject to the work of the relevant authorities. The Ministry’s focus, as outlined in the account, is to support the students while protecting their dignity and limiting the risk of further distress.
The Ministry’s response also places responsibility on the institutions involved to keep the students’ needs in view while the allegations are examined. The advance team is expected to assess what appropriate and timely assistance may be available for each student and family.
No findings from the ongoing investigations were included in the Ministry’s account. The statement focused on welfare and support, rather than details of the allegations, and did not identify the students or disclose information about their personal circumstances. This approach is consistent with the Ministry’s expressed emphasis on confidentiality and protection. The Ministry will continue engaging stakeholders.
Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to Child Protection
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting children’s rights and strengthening the systems designed to make schools safe places for learning and development. It also pledged continued cooperation with institutions involved in supporting the affected students.
The engagement at Obuasi SHTS forms part of these efforts, with the Ministry placing emphasis on listening to the students, assessing their needs and coordinating appropriate interventions. Its approach highlights the importance of confidentiality and careful handling of concerns during investigations.
As the relevant authorities continue their work, the Ministry has committed to maintaining collaboration with stakeholders to support the students and keep their welfare at the forefront. The stated objective is to ensure that affected students receive appropriate assistance without being exposed to further stigma or victimisation.
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