The Ahafo Regional Girls’ Education Officer of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Ms. Dakora Scholastica, has raised serious concerns over a rising number of sexual harassment and rape cases involving schoolgirls across the region.
Addressing the media at Hwidiem during a regional event to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, Ms. Scholastica revealed that all 18 senior high schools in the Ahafo Region have reported incidents of sexual abuse.
The event, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” was organized by the Ahafo Regional Education Directorate in collaboration with ActionAid Ghana.
Describing the trend as deeply troubling, Ms. Scholastica warned that such violations have long-term consequences on the education, mental health, and future prospects of the victims. She called for urgent and coordinated action from all stakeholders including parents, traditional authorities, the Ghana Education Service, and institutions such as the Department of Social Welfare, DOVVSU, and CHRAJ to protect schoolgirls and hold perpetrators accountable.
“These acts of harassment and abuse not only shatter the confidence of our girls but also hinder their academic performance. It is imperative that the laws are enforced to safeguard their rights and well-being,” she stressed.
Also present at the event was the Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardiner, who acknowledged the many challenges faced by girls in the region. She emphasized the need for continued support and intervention to prevent these issues from derailing their education and future.
