Accra, Ghana, October 24, 2026: The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has deployed an advance team to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region to provide psychosocial and social welfare support to students affected by the alleged sexual abuse incident at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (OSECTEC).

In a press release dated October 23, 2026, the Ministry said the team was deployed on Wednesday, October 21, to assess the immediate and long-term protection, health, psychosocial and welfare needs of the affected students.

The team comprises officers from the Department of Social Welfare, the Domestic Violence Secretariat and the Department of Children.

Its assignment includes engaging affected students and their families, as well as education authorities and other regional and district stakeholders, to identify gaps in existing support services and coordinate appropriate interventions.

Ministry prioritises students’ safety and recovery

The Ministry said the effects of sexual abuse could extend beyond the immediate incident, potentially affecting children’s emotional and psychological well-being, educational development, self-confidence and future prospects.

It said its response would therefore focus not only on immediate needs but also on sustained care, protection and recovery.

The Ministry stressed that all engagements with affected students would be conducted in a child-centred and trauma-informed manner, with particular attention to their dignity, safety, privacy, confidentiality and best interests.

It added that referrals would be made to appropriate health facilities and specialised mental health and psychosocial support services where necessary. Medical assessments, it said, would be conducted by qualified health professionals in line with applicable consent, confidentiality and child safeguarding requirements.

The team will also follow up on identified needs to support continuity of care for the students and their families.

Ministry calls for stronger school safeguarding systems

Beyond the immediate response, the Ministry said the incident highlighted the need to strengthen child protection, safeguarding, reporting and referral mechanisms within educational institutions.

It said it would work with the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Ghana Police Service and other relevant stakeholders to identify institutional gaps, reinforce preventive measures and improve systems for detecting, reporting and responding to abuse.

The Ministry reiterated that sexual abuse, exploitation and all forms of violence against children were unacceptable.

While the relevant authorities undertake processes to establish the facts and determine accountability, it urged the public to respect the rights and privacy of the affected students and avoid commentary or actions that could expose them to further harm.

It also reminded school authorities, teachers, parents, caregivers and members of the public of their shared responsibility to take allegations of abuse seriously and report suspected cases promptly.

Ministry provides helplines for reporting child abuse

The Ministry urged members of the public to report suspected child abuse to the Ghana Police Service or seek assistance through its Helpline of Hope Call Centre and Orange Support Centre.

The contact numbers provided in the statement are:

0800-800-800

0800-900-900

0800-111-222

WhatsApp Support Centre: 0551757575

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children’s rights and welfare and ensuring that affected students receive the support they need.

Source: Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection press release, October 23, 2026.