COMMUNIQUÉ ON CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION IN GHANA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, 22nd October 2026

COMMUNIQUÉ ON CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION IN GHANA

Child protection is non-negotiable: zero tolerance for abuse, cover-ups and impunity

The Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) unequivocally condemns child abuse, sexual exploitation and the abuse of authority by persons entrusted with children’s care, education and protection. Our position is clear: abusing a child is indefensible, exploiting trust is unacceptable, and concealing abuse must never be tolerated.

Recent reports of alleged sexual abuse and misconduct involving students and the mishandling of these allegations are deeply disturbing and demand urgent action. The PSG recognises due process but rejects its use as an excuse for inaction, intimidation or shielding alleged perpetrators from scrutiny. Every allegation warrants prompt, impartial investigation, and proven wrongdoing must attract the consequences prescribed by law. 

OUR DEMANDS: IMMEDIATE ACTIONS

The PSG calls on the Government of Ghana, law enforcement agencies, educational authorities, professional regulators, school proprietors and child-serving institutions to move beyond expressions of concern and implement effective measures.

1. Prompt and impartial investigations of all reported cases.
2. Immediate care and protection of all affected children. 
3. Effective and safe reporting in all schools and child serving institutions.
4. An end to institutional cover-ups.
5. Stronger prevention standards enforced by relevant authorities and professional bodies.
6. Empowering children to say no to abuse, and ensure every case of child sexual abuse is reported.

EXPECTATIONS OF GOVERNMENT AND CHILD SERVING INSTITUTIONS

• The PSG expects urgent, coordinated action to protect children and witnesses, provide appropriate care and invest sustainably in child protection services.

CONDEMNATION WITHOUT ACTION IS INSUFFICIENT. COMMITMENTS WITHOUT IMPLEMENTATION ARE UNACCEPTABLE.

RESPONSIBLE MEDIA REPORTING AND PUBLIC CONDUCT

• The PSG urges media practitioners and social media users to protect children’s identities, images and privacy. Sensationalism, speculation, victim-blaming and disclosures that expose survivors to stigma, retaliation or further harm must be avoided.  

THE POSITION OF THE PAEDIATRIC SOCIETY OF GHANA

• The PSG reaffirms its commitment to every child’s health, rights, safety and well-being. We remain committed to collaborating with relevant authorities and professionals to strengthen prevention, safeguarding, referral systems and trauma-informed care.

• Child sexual abuse and exploitation must never be normalised, excused, concealed or tolerated. Affected children must receive appropriate care, and every institution must protect them.

• Ghana needs decisive actions, effective measures and sustained commitment to prevent further harm on children, not mere symbolic condemnations and vague assurances. The Paediatric Society of Ghana calls on all responsible authorities and institutions to act with urgency, seriousness and resolve.

The safety and dignity of children must never be compromised.

Every report of abuse must be taken seriously.

Every institution must fulfil its duty to protect children.

No cover-up. No intimidation. No impunity. No compromise on child protection.

Child protection is not negotiable.

Every child has the right to be safe

Dr Hilda Mantebea Boye                                    Dr Gabrielle Obeng- Koranteng

President                                                General Secretary