A parent and PTA executive of Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School says the school’s response to the alleged defilement of a 14-year-old student should have moved faster, even as he defended management against suggestions that it failed to act on the allegations.
Stanley Abopam said information available to him indicates that school authorities investigated the allegations internally and subsequently referred the matter through Ghana Education Service structures before police became involved.
However, he said the seriousness of the allegations warranted a quicker response.
“As a parent, I would have preferred the process to have moved faster,” Mr. Abopam said.
Two security personnel at the school have been arrested and are facing court proceedings in connection with the alleged defilement of the student.
Mr. Abopam said his understanding of the school’s response was based on his engagements with management, education authorities and the student’s family.
According to him, the allegations were initially reported to the school, after which management constituted a committee to investigate.
He said the findings were subsequently submitted through GES structures before the matter was referred to police.
Mr. Abopam acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and called for a thorough investigation to establish what happened and ensure justice.
He, however, cautioned journalists, social media users and the public against circulating information about the student that had not been independently verified.
He expressed particular concern about reports relating to the girl’s health and medical condition, saying inaccurate information could further traumatise the student.
Mr. Abopam said he had personally spoken with the student’s mother and believed some claims circulating about the girl’s health did not accurately reflect information available to the family.
He also warned against reporting that could unnecessarily expose the identity of the minor or undermine her dignity while investigations and court proceedings continue.
Mr. Abopam further called for a review of the GES disciplinary code to better account for the individual circumstances and vulnerabilities of students.
He argued that disciplinary decisions involving children should be guided by their best interests and take into consideration the circumstances surrounding each case.
His comments come amid increased public attention on the handling of the allegations and the welfare of the student.
Mr. Abopam urged journalists and the public not to sensationalise the case, saying attention should remain on establishing the facts, securing justice and protecting the welfare and dignity of the 14-year-old.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Anaba Azubire | Bolgatanga
