The Ahafo Regional Girls’ Education Officer of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dakora Scholastica, has expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of sexual harassment and rape involving schoolgirls in the region.
She has called on all stakeholders to take urgent steps to curb the menace.
Speaking to Adom News at Hwidiem during a regional event to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, Ms. Scholastica revealed that reports of sexual abuse have been recorded across all 18 senior high schools in the Ahafo Region.
The event, held under the theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” was jointly organised by the Ahafo Regional Education Directorate and ActionAid Ghana.
Ms. Scholastica described the situation as alarming, explaining that such violations have long-lasting effects on the education and well-being of affected students.
She urged parents, traditional leaders, the GES, and relevant institutions such as the Department of Social Welfare, DOVVSU, and CHRAJ to intensify their collaboration to ensure offenders are punished in accordance with the law.
“These acts of harassment and abuse negatively affect the performance and confidence of our girls. The laws must work to protect them and punish perpetrators,” she emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardiner, who attended the event, acknowledged that many girls in the region face numerous challenges that could derail their education and future if left unaddressed.
She assured that her office, in collaboration with municipal and district chief executives, would take concrete measures to create safer environments for girls in schools and communities.
“We are committed to working with all relevant bodies to tackle these challenges and secure a brighter future for every girl in the Ahafo Region,” she said.
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