Category B and C schools account for 95% of SHS sexual abuse reports

An analysis of 44 documented sexual abuse cases since 2015 has revealed that nearly 95% of senior high schools implicated in these reports are classified as Category B or C. The data shows that 94.7% of the institutions where these incidents occurred belong to these lower categories, while only one Category A school appeared in the records of documented abuse during the same period. This finding underscores a significant disparity in the safety profiles or reporting frequencies across the different tiers of Ghana’s secondary education system.

The release of this analysis coincides with a period of overwhelming demand for elite educational institutions. During the 2026 school placement exercise, approximately 313,283 candidates applied for only 76,417 available vacancies in Category A schools. This created a highly competitive environment with roughly 4.1 first-choice candidates for every available seat. The perceived safety and superior safeguarding measures associated with Category A institutions are frequently cited as primary drivers for this intense preference among parents and students.

Despite the statistical trend, the report suggests that while Category A schools are perceived as safer, more transparency is needed regarding safeguarding records across the board. Currently, parents have limited access to official information concerning disciplinary actions taken against teachers or staff members accused of misconduct. This lack of data makes it difficult for families to make informed choices based on a school’s actual safety record rather than its academic reputation or general public perception.

Advocates are now calling for the education sector to provide more reliable and accessible data to inform parental choices. While the current findings show a concentration of reported cases in Category B and C schools, experts suggest further investigation is necessary to determine if this reflects a higher incidence of abuse or differences in how incidents are reported and managed. Strengthening safety measures and reporting mechanisms across all school categories remains a critical priority for the Ministry of Education to ensure all students are protected regardless of their school's classification.