Accra, Ghana, October 16, 2026: The Association of Women Lawyers, Ghana (AWLA Ghana), has called on the Government of Ghana, Parliament and relevant ministries and institutions to establish a National Sexual Offenders Register following reports of alleged sexual abuse involving female students and people entrusted with their care and education.
In a press statement dated 15 October 2026, the association cited the recent JoyNews investigation, Threats, Victim Blaming & More: How Authorities Failed on Abuse Claims Against Obuasi SHTS Headmaster, as raising serious concerns about the handling of complaints and the protection of schoolgirls from sexual exploitation and abuse.
“Our schools must be places of learning and safety, not environments where children fear those entrusted with their protection,” the association said.
AWLA Ghana acknowledged that allegations must be investigated fairly and guilt established through due process. However, it said the reports highlighted the urgent need to strengthen systems for preventing sexual abuse, protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable.
The proposed register, the association said, should help identify people convicted of sexual offences, particularly offences against children, and inform lawful recruitment and vetting decisions in schools and other institutions serving children.
It called for a clear legal framework to support the register, alongside appropriate safeguards, including rules governing access to the information, data protection and measures to prevent wrongful inclusion.
Calls for stronger school safeguarding measures
Beyond establishing a national register, AWLA Ghana called for independent and timely investigations into allegations of sexual abuse and the handling of complaints by school authorities.
It also urged the introduction of mandatory safeguarding procedures and background checks for teachers, school heads and other personnel with access to children.
The association called for confidential reporting mechanisms that allow students to report abuse without intimidation, victim-blaming or retaliation. It further urged authorities to hold institutions accountable for established failures, including the deliberate concealment of abuse or neglect of safeguarding responsibilities.
AWLA Ghana said survivors should receive psychosocial care, access to justice and protection of their right to education.
“Sexual abuse in schools is not merely an individual failure,” the association said. “Where complaints are ignored, victims are silenced or institutions prioritise their reputations over children's safety, the conditions for continued abuse may be created.”
The association expressed solidarity with girls who have experienced sexual abuse and urged relevant authorities to handle every allegation with urgency, sensitivity and impartiality.
It concluded with a call for action: “Protect our girls. End institutional silence. Hold perpetrators accountable. Establish the register.”
About the Association of Women Lawyers, Ghana
The Association of Women Lawyers, Ghana (AWLA Ghana), advocates for women's rights and access to justice.
Statement issued by
Marian Darlington Esq.
Executive Secretary and Head of Public Relations
Association of Women Lawyers, Ghana (AWLA Ghana)
Tel: 024 966 9405
Email: awlaghana@yahoo.com
Website: awlaafrica.com
