Find out what GES and DOVVSU have said about the alleged sexual assault involving a student of Bolgatanga Girls SHS and two watchmen
By Ferdinand Ellis | EducateGhana.com
The alleged sexual assault involving a student of Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School (BOGISS) has raised serious concerns about student safety, institutional responsibility and the protection of vulnerable learners in Ghanaian schools.
The case involves a student and two security guards attached to the school. According to information released by the Ghana Education Service (GES), the matter was reported to the Police and the two watchmen were subsequently arrested and handed over for investigation.
Because the case involves an alleged sexual assault of a student, this account deliberately excludes the student’s name, photograph, class and other identifying details.
What allegedly happened at Bolgatanga Girls SHS
According to the preliminary account released by GES, the student involved was a learner with special educational needs who was receiving medication.
GES said the student reportedly suffered a relapse on the day of the incident and required medical attention.
It was during this period, according to the preliminary information available to GES, that the alleged sexual assault occurred.
The specific circumstances surrounding what happened between the student and the two security guards remain subject to police investigation. GES has therefore not presented the allegations as established facts.
The two watchmen were subsequently arrested and handed over to the Police for further investigation.
➡ Related: [GES Interdicts Two Watchmen Over Alleged Sexual Assault at Bolgatanga Girls SHS]
➡ Related: [Bolgatanga Girls SHS Case: What Schools Must Do to Protect Vulnerable Students]
DOVVSU became involved in the case
The case had already reached the attention of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) before the GES announcement.
On Sunday, August 16, 2026, DOVVSU told Media Without Borders that the matter had been reported and that efforts were underway to arrest the guards allegedly connected to the incident.
The DOVVSU involvement placed the matter within the formal law enforcement process and meant that the allegations could be investigated independently of the school’s internal disciplinary procedures.
The subsequent arrest of the two watchmen was confirmed by GES in its August 20 statement.
➡ Related: [DOVVSU and Sexual Assault Cases: What Parents and Students Should Know]
➡ Related: [Child Protection in Ghanaian Schools: Responsibilities of School Authorities]
What GES says about the two watchmen
In its immediate release dated August 20, 2026, GES said the two watchmen had been arrested and handed over to the Police.
The Service also stated that Management had interdicted the two employees with immediate effect.
Interdiction does not amount to a finding of guilt. It is an administrative measure that removes the staff members from active duty while the allegations and circumstances surrounding the incident are investigated.
GES said a thorough investigation was ongoing and that appropriate sanctions would be applied based on the outcome of the investigation and in accordance with the GES Code of Conduct and the laws of Ghana.
➡ Related: [GES Code of Conduct: Disciplinary Procedures for Staff]
➡ Related: [Teacher and School Staff Conduct in Ghana: Rules and Responsibilities]
Why the student’s vulnerability is important
GES said preliminary reports indicated that the student was a special needs student who was on medication.
The Service further stated that the student had reportedly suffered a relapse and required medical attention when the alleged incident occurred.
That information raises important safeguarding questions about how vulnerable students are supervised and protected when they experience medical, psychological or other difficulties while at school.
However, the student’s medical circumstances should not be used to identify, stigmatise or blame her.
The central safeguarding question is whether appropriate systems were in place to ensure that the student was protected and received the assistance she required at the relevant time.
➡ Related: [Inclusive Education in Ghana: Complete Guide]
➡ Related: [Special Education in Ghana: Programmes and Career Opportunities]
The earlier disciplinary letter requires careful interpretation
The case has attracted additional attention because an earlier BOGISS disciplinary letter dated July 20, 2026 referred to a female student being accused of sexual misconduct under the GES Code of Conduct.
That earlier document recommended that the student be placed temporarily as a day student, receive counselling and be taken for medical attention.
The later GES statement, however, describes a student as the alleged victim of sexual assault by two watchmen.
These two accounts should not automatically be treated as referring to the same incident or the same student unless GES, the Police or another competent authority establishes that connection.
The apparent discrepancy requires clarification from the relevant authorities rather than speculation.
➡ Related: [Bolgatanga Girls SHS Disciplinary Case: What the July Letter Said]
➡ Related: [GES Student Discipline: Rules, Procedures and Safeguards]
What happens next
The Police investigation will be important in establishing what allegedly occurred, the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether there is sufficient evidence to support criminal proceedings.
GES has indicated that it will take appropriate administrative action based on the outcome of the investigations.
The case may also prompt questions about security arrangements, supervision of vulnerable students, reporting procedures and safeguarding mechanisms within boarding schools.
For now, the allegations should remain allegations until the appropriate investigative and judicial processes are completed.
EducateGhana.com’s position on the case
The protection of students must remain central to the handling of this matter.
Schools have a responsibility to provide an environment in which students are safe from abuse, exploitation and inappropriate conduct by staff, security personnel and other adults who have access to them.
At the same time, responsible reporting requires protection of the student’s privacy and respect for due process.
EducateGhana.com will therefore avoid publishing information that could identify the student and will distinguish clearly between allegations, preliminary findings, arrests, administrative action and proven facts as the case develops.
The Police investigation remains ongoing, while GES has confirmed that the two watchmen have been interdicted and handed over to the Police.
About the Author
Ferdinand Ellis is an education researcher, curriculum specialist, education policy analyst and education journalist. He is the founder of EducateGhana.com, Ghana’s Education Intelligence Platform, where he writes on education policy, teacher education, curriculum, schools, examinations and developments within Ghana’s education sector.
