Former Upper East Regional Minister Tangoba Abayage has criticised the management of Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School (BOGISS) over its handling of an alleged rape involving a 14-year-old student.
Abayage, who served under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and is also a former Ghanaian Ambassador to Italy and gender advocate, raised the concerns in a letter shared on social media.
The alleged incident reportedly involved two security guards at the school.
According to a letter issued by the school following an investigation, management decided to place the student on day status for one academic year. She was also referred to the Guidance and Counselling Unit for counselling, while her parents were instructed to seek medical attention for her and submit a medical report to the school.
The letter, signed by the school’s headmistress, Gifty Ayamba, was copied to the Municipal Director of Education, the School Disciplinary Committee and the student’s personal file. It referenced the Ghana Education Service Code of Conduct for Students in Pre-Tertiary Institutions.
Abayage, however, questioned why the student was subjected to disciplinary measures following the alleged incident.
“So, you have two of your security men allegedly rape a 14-year-old student of your school, who is on the autism spectrum and this is the best action your administration takes? What went into this decision?” she asked.
She called for the immediate intervention of the relevant authorities and demanded the withdrawal of what she described as a “bogus letter”.
Abayage further urged authorities to allow due process to take place and for the law to be applied against the security personnel accused in the matter.
She also called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to conduct its own investigation into the circumstances surrounding the school’s decision and to hold the headmistress accountable where necessary.
The case has raised concerns over how schools respond to allegations of sexual abuse involving minors and the measures taken to protect affected students while investigations are ongoing.
