‘No plea bargains, no delays’ – NCPTAs calls for swift justice in BOGISS assault case

The National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTAs) has called for swift and uncompromising justice in the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student with autism at Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS), insisting that there must be “No plea bargains. No delays.”

The Council said the case must not be treated as an issue of internal school discipline, stressing that the alleged abuse of a child requires full criminal prosecution.

In a statement dated August 20, 2026, the NCPTAs commended the Ministry of Education for its immediate condemnation of the alleged incident, directive for an investigation, provision of medical and psychosocial support to the victim, and order for the immediate reinstatement of her boarding status.

“This affirms that the welfare of the child comes first,” the Council stated.

The NCPTAs also commended the Ghana Education Service (GES) for interdicting the two watchmen allegedly involved and the Upper East Regional Police Command for arresting the suspects and committing them to prosecution.
But the Council said the next step must be to ensure that the criminal justice process is pursued without compromise.
“This matter goes beyond internal discipline. It is a criminal offence against a child,” the NCPTAs stated.

It called on the Attorney-General, Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary to ensure diligent prosecution under Section 101 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), and Article 28 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

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

The NCPTAs also expressed concern over the fact that one of the suspects is a 72-year-old man employed as a school security officer, questioning the suitability of personnel beyond retirement age for roles involving the protection of children.

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

The Council consequently called on the GES to conduct a nationwide vetting and audit of security personnel and other non-teaching staff in schools, including age, background and fitness checks.

It further demanded mandatory child protection and safeguarding training and a review of recruitment practices to ensure school personnel are capable of protecting students, particularly those with special educational needs.

The NCPTAs said the incident should also prompt schools and PTAs to strengthen safeguarding systems, including monitored access points, safe and supervised device-charging areas and strict visitor logs.

It urged the BOGISS PTA leadership and the Upper East Regional NCPTA to stand with the victim and her family and cooperate fully with state institutions.

“Silence at this moment is not an option,” the Council said.

It assured the victim of the solidarity of Ghana’s parent community, stating: “You are a daughter of Ghana. The entire parent community is behind you and we will ensure your recovery and rights are prioritized.”