Child Rights International (CRI) has disclosed that it petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student of Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School by two school security personnel. The petition also asks the Commission to examine the school’s handling of the case, including its decision to change the student’s boarding status after an internal investigation.
CRI Executive Director Bright Appiah revealed the petition in an interview with the Ghanaian Times publishing house on, November 2, 2026. He said the petition, dated August 26, is meant to safeguard the rights and welfare of the student, who has special needs. He highlighted that it also aims to ensure the school’s response is thoroughly investigated, adding that the circumstances of the disciplinary action raised concerns about whether her rights were respected and whether she received a fair hearing.
Editorial Urges CHRAJ to Act
The disclosure has already drawn comment. In an editorial published the same day, the Ghanaian Times called the alleged abuse “a matter of grave concern” and urged CHRAJ to examine the petition thoroughly. It stressed that the Commission should establish the circumstances of the alleged abuse, assess the school’s handling of the matter and determine whether the student’s rights were respected.
The newspaper also asked CHRAJ to examine the basis for withdrawing her boarding status and to recommend corrective action where necessary. It called on the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service (GES), school authorities and child protection institutions to strengthen safeguards for students.
School Changes Student’s Boarding Status
According to the petition, the student was allegedly abused by two persons employed by the school as security personnel. Following an internal investigation, the school reportedly changed her status from boarder to day student, citing a provision of the Code of Conduct for Students in Pre-Tertiary Schools in Ghana. A letter to her parent also recommended a referral to the Guidance and Counselling Unit and a medical examination.
An earlier letter, dated July 20, 2026, recommended that she become a day student for one academic year. A family member told Media Without Borders that the school’s disciplinary committee made the recommendation and that the arrangement was also expected to help her take her prescribed medication consistently.
Ministry Directs GES to Reverse Decision
The Ministry of Education later directed GES to investigate the matter, ensure the student received medical attention and counselling, and restore her boarding status. In an August 20 statement, the Ministry reiterated “a minor cannot be held responsible for sexual abuse perpetrated against her by an adult.” The school subsequently reversed its decision.
In a letter dated August 20, management told the student’s parent that, following a GES directive, her boarding status had been restored, MyJoyOnline reported on August 28. The reversal means the main demand of CRI’s petition appears to have been met, although the Commission has still been asked to review how the decision was made.
Suspects Face Further Court Proceedings
The two security personnel were arrested on August 18 and arraigned before the Bolgatanga Circuit Court on August 20, according to Media Without Borders. The court remanded them in police custody without taking their pleas.
At an October 20 sitting, the Attorney-General’s Department requested further investigations after identifying missing or unclear documents on the case docket. These included a clearer copy of the headmistress’s letter and the school disciplinary committee’s report, which reportedly records the two men’s admissions before the committee.
The accused, Adams Nyaaba Iddrisu, 72, and Elvis Adongo, 38, are now on bail. The court adjourned the case to November 19, 2026, to allow further inquiries and to let prosecutors file appropriate charges. The two men have not been convicted.
Appiah Presses for Child Protection Reforms
The petition comes as Mr Appiah presses for wider reforms. At an October 21 press conference, he urged a comprehensive review of the GES Code of Conduct, saying it should put children’s rights and welfare ahead of institutional interests. He said procedures for handling such cases must be “fair, transparent, timely, and guided by the best interests of the child,” the Ghana News Agency reported.
On October 30, he said recurring abuse allegations raised questions about institutional accountability and reporting systems. He insisted that protecting children “must not depend on viral videos, media exposure, or public outrage,” Ghana News Online reported.
Although the student’s boarding status has reportedly been restored, available reports do not establish whether CHRAJ has formally accepted CRI’s petition or begun an inquiry. It is also unclear what findings, if any, have emerged from the GES investigation.
Neither the school nor GES has publicly responded to the petition.The next reported court date is November 19, with further investigations and documents required before prosecution proceeds.
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