NCPTAs commends Ministry of Education over swift action on BOGISS student abuse case

The National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTAs) has commended the Ministry of Education for its swift response to the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student with autism at Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS).

The commendation follows the alleged sexual abuse of the special needs student, after which the Ministry of Education immediately condemned the incident and called for an investigation into the matter.

The Ministry also directed that the victim be provided with medical and psychosocial support and ordered the immediate reinstatement of her boarding status.

In a statement dated August 20, 2026, the NCPTAs said it had taken note of separate but coordinated statements issued by the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Upper East Regional Police Command concerning the incident.

“As the apex body representing parents and PTAs across Ghana, we speak with both the grief of parents and the resolve of citizens to protect every child in our schools,” the Council said.

The NCPTAs commended the Ministry of Education, under Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, “For the immediate condemnation of the act, directive for investigation, provision of medical and psychosocial support to the victim, and the order for immediate reinstatement of the student’s boarding status.”

“This affirms that the welfare of the child comes first,” it added.

The Council also commended the GES for the prompt interdiction of the two watchmen allegedly involved and the assurance that further disciplinary action would follow in accordance with the GES Code of Conduct for Staff.

It further praised the Ghana Police Service in the Upper East Region for the arrest of the two suspects, identified as Elvis Adongo, 38, and Adams Nyaaba Idrisu, 72, and their commitment to prosecution.

“We acknowledge this as a demonstration of institutional responsibility and urge that the momentum be sustained to its logical conclusion,” the statement said.

The NCPTAs, however, called for stronger measures to protect children in schools, particularly students with special educational needs.

The Council expressed concern that one of the suspects is a 72-year-old man who was working as a school security officer and questioned the basis for employing someone beyond retirement age in a role requiring vigilance, strength and sound judgment.

“Our schools must not be a dumping ground for public service retirees,” it stated.

The NCPTAs therefore called on the GES to “sanitize its space and institute an immediate policy shift to engage strong, alert, and vibrant youth of character and integrity as security personnel, properly vetted and trained.”

It also called for a nationwide vetting and audit of security personnel and other non-teaching staff in schools, including age, background and fitness checks, alongside mandatory child protection and safeguarding training.

The Council further demanded administrative accountability and criminal prosecution, insisting that the interdicted staff should be dismissed in accordance with the GES Code of Conduct and debarred from public service if found culpable.

On the criminal aspect, it called on the Attorney-General, Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary to ensure diligent prosecution under the relevant laws.

“We insist: No plea bargains. No delays. Justice must be seen to be done,” the NCPTAs stated.

The Council also urged parents, schools and stakeholders to strengthen safeguarding measures, including monitored access points, safe and supervised device-charging areas and strict visitor logs.

It called on the BOGISS PTA leadership and the Upper East Regional NCPTA to stand with the victim and her family and cooperate fully with state institutions to ensure justice is pursued.

“To the family of the BOGISS student: the National PTA stands in solidarity with you,” the Council said.

“To the victim: You are a daughter of Ghana. The entire parent community is behind you and we will ensure your recovery and rights are prioritized.”

“Ghanaian parents are united on this. We will not accept silence. We will not accept impunity. We demand a school system that is safe, dignified, and accountable.”