Gender Minister engages Obuasi SHTS students affected by allegations, assures them of support

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has engaged students affected by the alleged sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), assuring them of the government’s support as investigations into the matter continue. The engagement provided an opportunity for the Minister to listen to the students’ concerns and reaffirm the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring their welfare and addressing their individual needs. Dr Lartey stressed that the safety, dignity and well-being of the students remained paramount, noting that supporting them required sensitivity, confidentiality and a coordinated response. She also underscored the need to protect the students from further distress, stigma and victimisation while the relevant authorities investigate the allegations. The Minister assured the students that the Ministry would continue working with the Ghana Education Service (GES), social welfare officers, health professionals and other stakeholders to ensure they receive the necessary support. The engagement forms part of the Ministry’s broader response to the allegations, which includes the deployment of an advance team made up of officers from the Department of Social Welfare, the Domestic Violence Secretariat and the Department of Children. The team is expected to engage the affected students and their families, assess their needs and coordinate appropriate interventions. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children’s rights, supporting affected students and working with relevant institutions to strengthen child protection systems and ensure that schools remain safe environments for learning and development.