Gender Data Ghana calls for end to internal GES child abuse probes

Gender Data Ghana has formally urged the government to abolish the Ghana Education Service's (GES) current policy of conducting internal investigations into allegations of child abuse. The advocacy group argues that the practice of handling such cases within the education sector, which often results in the mere transfer of implicated staff to other schools, undermines national child protection laws. They contend that this internal mechanism creates a parallel system that conflicts with the mandates of established state institutions responsible for child welfare and justice.

According to the organization, the existing GES framework is inconsistent with the provisions of the Children’s Act and the 1992 Constitution. Gender Data Ghana asserts that by keeping these investigations within the service, the system may inadvertently shield offenders from the full legal consequences of their actions. Instead, the group maintains that all reports of child abuse occurring within schools should be immediately referred to the Department of Social Welfare and the Ghana Police Service to ensure legal consistency and proper safeguarding of the victims.

The call for reform follows recent concerns raised at Obuasi Senior High Technical School, highlighting a perceived gap in how safeguarding issues are managed at the institutional level. Gender Data Ghana emphasized that safeguarding personnel within schools require specialized training and should work in close collaboration with external social workers. They pointed out that teachers and school administrators are not equipped or legally empowered to conduct criminal or welfare investigations, which fall strictly under the jurisdiction of professional social welfare officers.

To improve the national child protection landscape, the organization is advocating for increased resources and funding for the Department of Social Welfare. They believe that a stronger department would be better positioned to partner with the GES to ensure that every allegation is handled with the necessary professional oversight. By aligning school policies with national legal standards, Gender Data Ghana aims to create a safer educational environment where the rights and welfare of students are prioritized over institutional reputation.