The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has deployed an advance team to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region to provide psychosocial and social welfare support to students affected by the alleged sexual abuse incident at the Obuasi Senior High Technical School (OSECTEC).
According to a statement issued by the ministry, the team, deployed on October 21, comprises officers from the Department of Social Welfare, the Domestic Violence Secretariat and the Department of Children. The team has been tasked with assessing the immediate and long-term protection, health, psychosocial and welfare needs of the affected students and coordinating interventions to support their recovery.
The ministry said the officers are engaging affected students and their families, as well as regional and district stakeholders, including education authorities, to better understand the circumstances surrounding the allegations, identify gaps in support services and facilitate an appropriate institutional response.
MoGCSP stressed that the effects of sexual abuse often extend beyond the immediate incident, with long-lasting consequences for victims’ emotional and psychological well-being, educational development and future prospects. It noted that interventions must therefore focus not only on immediate assistance but also on sustained care, protection and recovery.
The ministry assured that all engagements with the affected students would be conducted in a child-centred, trauma-informed manner that prioritises dignity, safety, privacy and confidentiality, while preventing further distress, stigmatisation or secondary victimisation.
It added that where necessary, referrals would be made to health facilities and specialised mental health and psychosocial support services. Any medical assessments, the statement noted, would be undertaken by qualified professionals in accordance with consent, confidentiality and child safeguarding requirements.
MoGCSP further stated that it is collaborating closely with relevant institutions to ensure a coordinated response, avoid duplication of interventions and guarantee timely access to services for affected students and their families. The ministry also pledged to monitor identified needs and promote continuity of care and support.
Beyond the immediate case, the ministry described the incident as a reminder of the need to strengthen child protection systems, safeguarding measures and reporting mechanisms within educational institutions. It said it would work with the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Ghana Police Service and other stakeholders to identify institutional gaps and improve systems for detecting, reporting and responding to abuse.
Reiterating its firm stance against all forms of sexual abuse, exploitation and violence against children, the ministry called on the public to respect the privacy and rights of the affected students and refrain from actions or public commentary that could expose them to further harm.
The ministry urged teachers, parents, caregivers and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of child abuse to the appropriate authorities. It also encouraged victims and witnesses to seek assistance through its Helpline of Hope Call Centre and Orange Support Centre.
MoGCSP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and rights of every child and ensuring that affected students receive the care and support needed while broader efforts are undertaken to strengthen child protection systems nationwide.