ActionAid Ghana has called for swift and coordinated state intervention following the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old primary school pupil in the Northern Region.
In a petition dated 24 February 2026 and addressed to key state institutions, the organisation urged law enforcement and child protection authorities to ensure justice and comprehensive support for the survivor, who is reported to have experienced repeated abuse resulting in pregnancy.
According to the statement, the girl, a Primary Six pupil, went missing on 13 February and returned home on 15 February. After disclosing the alleged abuse to her family, the case was reported to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DoVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service.
Medical assessment, the organisation said, confirmed that an attempt had been made to terminate the pregnancy before the matter was formally reported, requiring further clinical attention and treatment.
The case is currently under investigation by the police. However, ActionAid Ghana expressed concern over reports of attempts within the community to resolve the matter through informal mediation.
Under Section 101 of Ghana’s Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), sexual intercourse with a child under 16 years with or without consent — constitutes defilement, a second-degree felony punishable by a prison term of between seven and 25 years.
ActionAid Ghana said offences involving minors must be handled through formal justice and child protection systems, in line with national laws and international human rights commitments.
The organisation is calling for:
- Swift, transparent and survivor-sensitive investigations by the Ghana Police Service.
- Prompt prosecution, including a review of the case docket by the Office of the Attorney-General.
- Immediate activation of integrated support services, including medical care, psychosocial counselling, legal assistance and protective measures through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
- Protection of the girl’s right to continue her education, with counselling and measures to prevent stigma.
- Stronger community-level child protection measures and public education to discourage informal settlements in cases involving minors.
ActionAid Ghana said the case presents a broader test of Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding children and enforcing existing laws.
The organisation copied its petition to the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey; the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu; the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno; the Tamale Regional Police Command; the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice in the Northern Region; and the Northern Regional Directorate of Education.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
