Child Protection Group Demands Urgent Reforms Over Alleged Sexual Abuse At Obuasi SHTS
A civil society organisation, Save the Mining Communities-Ghana (SMC-Gh), has called for urgent child protection reforms following alleged sexual abuse involving students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS).
In a press statement dated October 21, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Andrews Perprem, the group said it was deeply disturbed by the allegations, as exposed through investigations by JoyNews.
According to the statement, concerns regarding inappropriate conduct had allegedly been raised long before decisive intervention occurred, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of child safeguarding structures within the school.
“The failure goes beyond the actions of any one individual. It highlights potential weaknesses in the systems designed to protect children,” the statement noted.
The group expressed worry over reports suggesting that some students felt unable to report abuse through formal channels, while others allegedly received little or no support after making disclosures, creating an environment where victims lose confidence in protection systems.
SMC-Gh said sexual abuse has far-reaching consequences including emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, stigma, and poor educational performance, and stressed that responses must focus not only on investigations but also on healing and long-term psychosocial support.
Describing safe schools as critical to national development, gender equality and social inclusion, the organisation said when children are unable to feel safe in educational institutions, national development efforts suffer.
The group made 7 recommendations:
1. A survivor-centred investigation that prioritises safety, dignity and confidentiality
2. Immediate psychosocial support and professional counselling for affected students
3. Protection of victims and witnesses from victimisation, intimidation and stigma
4. Independent safeguarding audits in second-cycle institutions by the Ghana Education Service
5. Strengthened, confidential reporting mechanisms in schools
6. Mandatory safeguarding training for teachers, housemasters, housemistresses and administrators
7. Expanded community awareness programmes for parents and students
The statement concluded that the courage shown by students who came forward must inspire meaningful reforms to build safer schools across Ghana.
“At the heart of this matter are young people whose safety, dignity and future must take precedence. The protection of children is not optional. It is a collective responsibility and a moral obligation,” it added
