Gender Ministry steps in to support students in alleged Obuasi SHTS sex abuse case

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has met some students affected by the alleged sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), assuring them of the government’s support as investigations into the case continue. The engagement was intended to give the students an opportunity to express their concerns and enable the ministry to assess their needs while measures are put in place to protect their welfare, safety and dignity.

Dr Lartey said the students required sensitive and coordinated support, with particular attention to their privacy and emotional well-being as the relevant authorities pursue the allegations. She also stressed the need to shield them from stigma, victimisation and further distress during the process. The Ministry said it would continue to work with the Ghana Education Service (GES), social welfare officers, health professionals and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the students received appropriate assistance.

Support for students and families The meeting forms part of a broader intervention by the ministry following allegations of sexual abuse involving students at Obuasi SHTS. As part of the response, an advance team comprising officers from the Department of Social Welfare, the Domestic Violence Secretariat and the Department of Children has been deployed to engage the affected students and their families.

The team is expected to assess their circumstances, identify their support needs and coordinate appropriate interventions. The approach is intended to ensure that assistance is tailored to the needs of the students, while protecting them from unnecessary exposure and the pressures that can accompany cases of alleged sexual abuse. The ministry said it remained committed to working with the relevant institutions to uphold children’s rights, support the affected students and strengthen measures to make schools safe places for learning and development.

The engagement comes as the allegations against the school continue to draw public attention, placing renewed focus on student protection, institutional accountability and the need for appropriate support for those affected. Authorities are expected to continue their investigations into the allegations. The students’ welfare and privacy remain important considerations as the process unfolds.