Gender Data Ghana, a think tank focused on gender equality, has called on the Ghanaian government to abolish the Ghana Education Service's (GES) practice of internally investigating allegations of child abuse and transferring implicated teachers. The think tank argues that this practice undermines Ghana's child protection laws. According to Dr. Beatrice Duncan, Executive Director of Gender Data Ghana, the policy is inconsistent with the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560), as amended, and Article 28 of the 1992 Constitution.
The think tank's statement follows concerns surrounding the handling of allegations of abuse at the Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS). Gender Data Ghana questioned the practice of transferring and promoting staff implicated in alleged misconduct rather than ensuring that such cases receive appropriate investigation. The organisation argues that the Children's Act requires anyone with information about child abuse or a child in need of care and protection to report the matter to the Department of Social Welfare.
The Department of Social Welfare is required to direct a probation officer or social welfare officer, accompanied by the police, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case where there are reasonable grounds to suspect child abuse. Gender Data Ghana stresses that this process provides a legal framework for protecting affected children while ensuring that criminal investigations are conducted by the appropriate authorities.
The think tank maintains that although accused persons are entitled to due process under the Criminal Procedure Code and Article 19 of the 1992 Constitution, administrative investigations by the GES should not replace the statutory responsibilities of the police and social welfare authorities. Administrative policies, according to Gender Data Ghana, cannot override existing laws or constitutional provisions.
The GES practice of internal investigations and transferring teachers implicated in alleged abuse requires urgent scrutiny, according to Gender Data Ghana. The think tank has consequently called for the policy and practice to be abolished and for social welfare officers to play a stronger role in addressing child abuse in schools.
Gender Data Ghana also urged authorities to provide the Department of Social Welfare with adequate resources to investigate cases independently and respond promptly to reports of abuse. The think tank called for safeguarding focal persons in schools to receive proper training in child protection and the provisions of the Children's Act.
The organisation emphasised that Ghana's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child places significant obligations on the state to protect children and ensure that their rights are respected. Greater support for social workers and strict enforcement of child protection laws are necessary to ensure justice for children without fear or favour, according to Gender Data Ghana.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government is being urged to abolish the GES policy of internal child abuse investigations.
- The policy is inconsistent with the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560), as amended, and Article 28 of the 1992 Constitution.
- The think tank is calling for social welfare officers to play a stronger role in addressing child abuse in schools.
