The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has deployed a team to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region to provide psychosocial and social welfare support to students affected by the alleged sexual abuse incident at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
The team, deployed on Wednesday, October 21, comprises officers from the Department of Social Welfare, the Domestic Violence Secretariat and the Department of Children.
In a press release dated October 23, the Ministry said the team would assess the immediate and long-term protection, health, welfare and psychosocial needs of the affected students and coordinate appropriate interventions.
The officers are engaging the students and their families, as well as educating authorities and other regional and district stakeholders, to identify gaps in available support and ensure that the necessary assistance is provided.
The Ministry said its intervention would prioritise the students’ safety, dignity, privacy and well-being, with all engagements conducted in a child-centred and trauma-informed manner.
Where necessary, the team will also facilitate referrals to health facilities and specialised mental health and psychosocial support services.
Beyond the immediate support, the Ministry said it would work with the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Ghana Police Service and other stakeholders to identify gaps in child protection systems and strengthen safeguarding, reporting and referral mechanisms in schools.
It urged the public to respect the privacy of the affected students while the relevant authorities investigate the allegations, stressing that sexual abuse and all forms of violence against children are unacceptable.
The Ministry also reminded school authorities, teachers, parents and the public of their shared responsibility to report suspected cases of child abuse.
Members of the public can report suspected abuse to the Ghana Police Service or contact the Ministry’s Helpline of Hope Call Centre and Orange Support Centre on 0800-800-800, 0800-900-900 or 0800-111-222. WhatsApp support is available on 0551757575.
The Ministry said it would follow up on identified needs to ensure continuity of care and support for the affected students and their families.
Read the full statement below:
