Standing Together Against Child Abuse and Neglect - stacan

21/08/2026

A Victim-Centred Response to the BOGISS Defilement Case

In the matter concerning the alleged defilement of a special needs student at BOGISS, I am deeply saddened by the agony being endured by the victim, particularly when the process for ensuring accountability for the alleged perpetrator remains unclear.

I appreciate and commend the victim-centred approach adopted by the Ministry of Education and the CSOs engaging with the matter. The welfare, dignity, safety and protection of the child must remain paramount.

The fact that the victim is a child with special needs makes the reported treatment even more concerning. Such a child may require heightened protection, appropriate support, reasonable accommodation and a carefully considered institutional response when dealing with allegations of sexual abuse. Any response that fails to take these vulnerabilities into account risks compounding the child’s trauma.

In my view, the school, acting in loco parentis—that is, in the place of a parent—and having immediate responsibility for the child’s safety and welfare, should have reported the matter to the police and ensured that the appropriate criminal justice processes were activated, rather than merely referring or releasing the matter to the Regional Education Directorate.

As for the actions reportedly taken against the victim and the characterization of the matter as “sexual misconduct,” the least said about it, the better.

If a child who may have been sexually abused is subsequently subjected to punitive, stigmatizing or otherwise inappropriate treatment by the very institution expected to protect her, the system risks inflicting further harm on an already traumatized child.

This is what is often described as system-induced trauma—where the response of institutions and those entrusted with protecting a victim inadvertently compounds the trauma arising from the original incident.

The BOGISS case should therefore prompt a serious review of the relevant provisions of the GES handbook, which was referenced by the Headmistress. Administrative procedures must not operate in a manner that conflicts with, undermines or delays legally established processes for dealing with alleged sexual offences against children.

Most importantly, the best interests of the child must come first.

Accountability for the alleged perpetrator and protection of the victim are not competing objectives. They are both essential components of justice.

A child—particularly a child with special needs—should never have to suffer a second trauma because the systems established to protect her failed to respond appropriately to the first.

CSP Elvis Bawa Sadongo (Rtd.)
Security Consultant | Child Rights Advocate | Gender Activist
CEO, Pempen Consult

17/08/2026

*How to Give Your Children Responsibility So They Grow into Responsible Adults*

Raising responsible children doesn't happen overnight--it starts with small, intentional steps. Here are simple ways to guide them:

1 *Start Small*

Let them tidy toys, help set the table, or water plants.

2 *Age-Appropriate Chores*

As they grow, increase their duties (bed, making, helping with groceries, packing-schoo) bags).

3 *Teach Consequences*

Don't always rush to rescue; let them learn from missed homework or forgotten items.

4 *Be the Model*

Children copy what they see. Keep your promises, admit mistakes, and handle duties well.

5 *Give Choices*

Allow them to make small decisions; it builds confidence.

6 *Encourage Problem-Solving*

Guide them to think through solutions. instead of giving all the answers.

7 *Celebrate Effort*

Praise their growth and responsibility, not just success.

8 *Teach Money & Time Management*

Let them manage small allowances, or simple schedules.

09/08/2026

If all children followed their parents' instructions, there probably wouldn't be so many crimes against children in this country. Protecting children is the right way to secure their future.

Teach them what is okay and not okay to do. Teach them how to act around strangers, and how to listen to their parents and caregivers.

07/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EmVCUM35t/

Every Child Deserves a Healthy Childhood
For children living along the Kakum River, the river is part of everyday life.
It is where they play with friends.
It is where they swim.
It is where many families cross to reach farms and neighbouring communities.
The river brings joy, connection and opportunity.
But it can also expose children to schistosomiasis, a disease caused by microscopic parasites found in contaminated freshwater.
That is why our project is working closely with schools, families and communities—not only to provide health information, but also to listen, learn and develop solutions together.
By combining science with community knowledge, we can help children enjoy the benefits of the river while reducing their risk of infection.
Every conversation, every school visit and every community activity brings us one step closer to a future where children can grow up healthier and stronger.
Because protecting the next generation starts with understanding the world they live in.
Our River. Our Health. Our Future.

03/08/2026

DEALING WITH A SEXIST

Being an MP carries a lot of responsibility and respect; however, that is not the case with the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South constituency, who made a comment to a 9-year-old primary school girl that she is very beautiful and that when she grows up, he will marry her.

A lot of gender activists chastised him and called for stringent action against him. Even though the MP has apologized for the incident, it does not negate the fact that it was an irresponsible comment coming from no less a person than him.

Children under age are being defiled every now and then, and it all starts with comments like this. It is in this vein that we must rise up and condemn it in no uncertain terms.

I feel the MP ought to have known better and recognized the fact that he is a public figure.

Let's not just trivialize his comments and say there is nothing wrong because he was only joking - the child in question, at just 9 years old, how would she comprehend such comments, and what ramifications will there be for her growing up? This must be our concern, and not the apology or anything else.

Irrespective of his intention or the traditional context in which the statement was made, the comment was inappropriate because it involved a child.

He has pledged to exercise greater caution when interacting with minors and has initiated steps to personally visit the student's school to apologize to the child and her parents directly.

It is about time we paid more attention to these kinds of comments from people who ought to know better.

30/07/2026

*Preventing gender-based violence (GBV) in schools*

Preventing gender based violence in schools requires strong policies, proper education, and a safe environment where every student feels protected. Schools should have clear rules that make it clear that physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse will not be tolerated.

Students should also have safe and confidential ways to report abuse, such as anonymous suggestion boxes or trusted teachers they can speak to without fear of being punished or judged. Schools should also work closely with local health facilities, social welfare agencies, and counseling services to ensure that victims receive the support they need.

Teachers and other school staff should receive regular training to help them recognize the signs of gender-based violence, respond appropriately to reports, and protect the privacy and well-being of victims.

At the same time, students should be educated from an early age about respect, equality, human rights, personal boundaries, and healthy relationships.

Schools can also establish gender clubs or peer support groups where students can openly discuss issues of respect, fairness, and bullying, while encouraging both boys and girls to become champions against gender-based violence.

By promoting awareness, strengthening reporting systems, and creating a culture of respect, schools can provide a safer and more supportive learning environment for every child.

24/07/2026

Some fathers may experience inappropriate sexual attraction toward their daughters, but it is not normal, and it is very uncommon.

When it does happen, it is considered a form of child sexual abuse (in**st) if acted upon, and it causes profound harm to the child.

There is no single cause, but researchers have suggested several factors that may contribute in some individuals:

*Psychological disorders or personality problems:* Some offenders have distorted thinking, poor impulse control, or other mental health issues. However, most people with mental illness do not sexually abuse children.

*Pedophilic disorder:* A small number of offenders have a persistent sexual interest in prepubescent children. Not all people who abuse children have this disorder, and not all people with this disorder act on their urges.

*Power and control:* In many cases, abuse is driven more by a desire for control, domination, or exploitation than by sexual attraction alone.
History of abuse or dysfunctional family environments: Some offenders were abused themselves as children or grew up in severely unhealthy family environments. This may increase risk, but it does not excuse or predetermine abusive behavior.

*Poor boundaries and opportunity:* Individuals who fail to respect appropriate family boundaries and have easy access to children may be more likely to offend if other risk factors are present.

It is important to distinguish between:
A father recognizing that his daughter is growing up or objectively attractive, which is not the same as sexual attraction.

A father experiencing sexual thoughts or acting sexually toward his daughter, which is abnormal and abusive.

If there are signs of inappropriate behavior, it may be necessary to involve a trusted adult or the appropriate child protection authorities.

22/07/2026

*What are the five rights of a Ghanaian child?*

Every child has the right to *life, dignity, respect, leisure, liberty, health, education and shelter* from his parents (1992 Constitution & Children's Act, 1998).

Parents who give out their children for *exploitative* or *hazardous* labor are legally culpable and subject to criminal prosecution in Ghana.

Under Ghanaian law, parents cannot use poverty, tradition, or their parental consent as a defense if they give away a child for forced labor.

Local authorities and institutions like the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) actively investigate and prosecute parents who violate these child protection provisions.

20/07/2026

*Ways that parents can protect and safeguard their children from the risk of child exploitation.*

*Running away can be a sign:*

If your child goes missing, you should report this to the police. Doing this won’t get your child in trouble but will mean that appropriate action can be taken to locate them and a return home interview can be completed to offer support and help reduce the risk of your child going missing again.

*Look out for unexpected gifts, changes in behaviour, or mood:*

Some gifts can be in the form of noticeable items such as clothes, phones or cash, but they can also be much more subtle things such as food, drinks or online gaming.

*Understand the apps young people are using online and make sure that their privacy settings are set high:*

Where you are unsure or an app you can visit reputable website such as www.thinkuknow.co.uk to access guides and advice.

Looking through these guides with your child can be a good way to agree which apps can be used and how.

*Be aware that boys can also be victims of online grooming:*

Any child could be affected by exploitation, regardless of gender, religion, or sexuality

17/07/2026

The simple act of listening, showing empathy, and creating safe spaces for conversation can make a significant difference in a child's life.

Parents must know that, every child's behaviour had a story, this called for greater understanding of children's emotional experiences.

Children experience emotions just as adults do. supporting children’s emotional well-being was not about making them weak but helping them develop resilience and healthy coping skills.