The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has visited Obuasi Senior High Technical School to engage students and school authorities following allegations of sexual misconduct at the institution.
The visit formed part of government’s response to reports concerning students at the school and the student protest that led to the temporary closure of the institution in August.
The school has since reopened, with first-year students returning alongside students from other senior high schools across the country. Continuing students in Forms Two and Three, who had remained at home for an extended period, have also begun returning to campus.
During the engagement, the Gender Minister assured students that measures had been put in place to make the school safe for teaching and learning. She said the safety, security and welfare of students remained a priority for the government.
Discussions were held with the students, school management and other stakeholders on the way forward. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is also working with the Ghana Education Service and other relevant institutions to strengthen protection and support systems at the school.
Dr Lartey appealed to students and parents to remain calm while investigations and other official processes continue. She urged students who require support to use the appropriate channels and assured them that their concerns would be taken seriously.
The Minister also appealed to the media to exercise caution when reporting the allegations. She expressed concern that some students who had come forward to support the investigation had reportedly withdrawn after their names or other identifying details were mentioned in media reports.
She said some families were worried about the safety and wellbeing of their children following the disclosure of personal information. The Minister therefore urged media organisations not to publish or broadcast details that could identify students involved in the matter.
She also cautioned journalists against placing students under pressure to grant interviews or publicly recount their experiences.
Child-protection principles require the privacy of alleged victims, particularly children, to be protected. Responsible reporting should avoid names, photographs, voices, locations or other details that could expose their identities.
The Gender Ministry has already deployed social welfare and child-protection officers to provide psychosocial and welfare support to affected students and families.
The government says the immediate priority is to protect students, restore confidence in the school and ensure that academic activities continue in a safe and supportive environment.