At least four boarding students have died in four Senior High Schools between February and July this year due to untreated illnesses worsened by alleged negligence from school authorities.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Child Rights International (CRI), Bright Appiah, who disclosed this said the death occurred at Ghana National College, Aburi Girls SHS, Akim Swedru SHS, and Kalpohin SHS.
At a press conference in Accra yesterday, he said, this disturbing trend has gone on for many years, showing a pattern of neglect towards the welfare of students which requires urgent attention.
“Shockingly, these fatalities were entirely preventable, as malaria is a treatable disease, the failure to provide timely medical care and essential resources reflects a disregard for the basic rights of students entrusted to these institutions,” he said.
Mr Appiah called for comprehensive welfare policies that prioritised the health, safety, and emotional well-being of students in order to create conducive environments where children could thrive.
“Education authorities must prioritise children’s rights above institutional reputation, ensuring that policies always serve the best interests of students,” he said.
Mr Appiah said schools should invest in upgraded infirmaries staffed by trained professionals, and well-equipped to handle both routine health issues and emergencies promptly.
“Establishing and enforcing transparent guidelines for student welfare ensures consistency and accountability across all educational institutions,” he said.
Mr Appiah said in 2023, media reports highlighted cases where children succumbed to malaria and water scarcity due to purported negligence from school management.
“Looking back further, between 2001 and 2017, five other school-related child fatalities were reported, citing causes such as negligence, malaria, and teacher apathy.
“Schools, which should serve as safe havens for learning and development, often lack comprehensive policies and procedures to manage student welfare effectively,” he said.
He expressed concerns about absence of clear guidelines which have resulted in inconsistent standards of care across different institutions, leaving students vulnerable to gaps in support and oversight.
He said the bureaucratic process involved in obtaining an exeat could create unnecessary obstacles, potentially worsening health crises by impeding timely intervention.
“Reforming the exeat system to expedite access to medical care and emergency responses is minimising bureaucratic delays that endanger students’ health.
Mr Appiah said his outfit had received a petition, which the CRI lawyers were currently studying.
“We recognise the urgency and gravity of the situation, and we are committed to taking decisive action to address these critical issues,” he said.
He said CRI would continue to advocate the necessary policy reforms and ensure that schools upheld their duty of care towards students.
A parent who pleaded anonymity recalled that her daughter was once denied exeat and when she returned home during vacation, her condition had worsened.
She appealed to school authorities not to deny school children with genuine excuse to seek medical attention
BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG
