By Omanba Kodwo Boafo, Shai Osudoku District
A dispute over a proposed GH¢15,000 compensation package and traditional rituals has deepened divisions within a family in the Shai Osudoku District following an allegation that a teacher sexually abused a 14-year-old pupil.
The case involves a JHS 2 pupil of the Huapa DA Basic School, whose identity is being withheld, and her teacher, Bismark Amedorgbor, who has been accused of having sexual intercourse with the girl on July 23, 2026, the final day of the 2025/2026 academic year.
A complaint was subsequently lodged with the Akuse Police Command, and the matter is being investigated by the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU).
However, while the police investigation was ongoing, efforts were also made within the community to resolve the matter through traditional and family channels, resulting in a proposed financial settlement that has triggered questions about whether an alleged defilement case involving a child can be resolved outside the formal justice system.
GH¢15,000 Compensation Proposal
Investigation by Trust 98.3 FM found that a meeting held on September 25 involving the Huapa traditional authorities, relatives of the girl, school authorities and the accused teacher produced a proposed settlement.
Under the arrangement, GH¢15,000 was reportedly to be paid to the complainant, Michael Obodai, while GH¢5,000 was earmarked for traditional rituals.
The Headteacher of Huapa DA Basic School, Paul Apurizaya, explained that traditional considerations had influenced the decision to examine the matter at the community level.
According to him, the traditional authorities considered the alleged incident particularly serious because of the girl’s connection to a royal family.
The Chief of Huapa, Nene Atseku Obodai Torgbor II, who is also an uncle of the girl, acknowledged her age but maintained that the traditional process was not intended to absolve the teacher.
He said the accused had been informed that his alleged conduct amounted to an offence against the royal stool and that the traditional authorities needed items for rituals while the police investigation continued.
However, Michael Obodai indicated that the family could write to the police to withdraw the complaint if the conditions of the proposed settlement were fulfilled.
He said the agreement was expected to be completed within three weeks and suggested that failure to meet the conditions could result in the matter returning fully to the police.
Family divided over prosecution
The proposed settlement has exposed a sharp division within the girl’s family.Her grandmother and caretaker, Joyce Kwettey, expressed deep pain over the alleged incident but said she preferred a settlement rather than prosecution.
“It is paining me because she was a virgin before going on vacation in Tema,” she reportedly said.
When asked whether she wanted the case to proceed to court, she responded that she wanted the matter settled.
Other relatives, however, have expressed concerns about resolving the allegation through a financial arrangement.
What Happened At The School
According to accounts gathered during the investigation, the alleged incident occurred during an end-of-term celebration known as “Our Day” on July 23.
Teachers and pupils had gathered at the school to mark the end of the academic year.
The Headteacher said teachers had collectively prepared food, while pupils brought drinks and other items from home.
However, the investigation found that alcoholic beverages were also consumed by some pupils.
The 14-year-old girl reportedly told investigators that her class contributed money to purchase several alcoholic drinks and that she consumed a mixture of them.
Two female classmates reportedly confirmed that alcohol was consumed and alleged that the accused teacher had also brought some of the drinks.
According to the classmates, the girl became unwell during the celebration and was subsequently taken to the teacher’s room after the teacher allegedly instructed them to take her there.
The girl later alleged that she was sexually assaulted. she said she did not immediately report the incident because she was afraid.
Emergency Contraceptive Allegation
The investigation further uncovered an allegation that the teacher visited the girl at home the following day, July 24, and gave her an emergency contraceptive.
The girl reportedly told the investigation team that the teacher subsequently sent a message through her grandmother’s phone identifying the medication as Postinor-2 and instructing her to take it.
Her grandmother also reportedly found an empty medicine package while cleaning. The discovery contributed to the family learning more about the girl’s account of what had allegedly happened.
Teacher Arrested
The matter eventually reached the police, leading to the arrest and detention of the accused teacher on September 11 while he was teaching.
The District Police Commander, Superintendent Cletus Kofi Abadamlora, confirmed that the accused had allegedly made an admission in his caution statement.
He cautioned, however, that such a statement must still be subjected to due process.
“Yes, he admitted in his caution statement but you know he can go for a lawyer and tell you in court that he said so out of fear,” he was quoted as saying.
The case remains under investigation by DOVVSU at the Akuse Police Command.
Medical Report
A medical report dated September 5, 2026, from the Ashaiman Municipal Hospital also formed part of the investigation.
An independent interpretation obtained from Dr Dovlo, Medical Superintendent of the Asesewa Government Hospital, indicated that while the report showed that the girl’s virginity had been broken, it could not establish when the alleged sexual activity occurred.
The medical examination took place more than six weeks after the alleged incident on July 23.
The investigation also uncovered separate allegations that some female pupils had been performing domestic chores at the teacher’s residence.
Two classmates reportedly told the investigative team that they sometimes went to the teacher’s house to wash his clothes and cook for him.
The Headteacher said he was not aware of the practice but acknowledged that he had discouraged teachers from allowing pupils to perform domestic work for them.
He said he had specifically addressed the issue during a school gathering and instructed that pupils should not be going to teachers’ homes to work for them.
GES Rules
The investigation also examined provisions of the Ghana Education Service Code of Conduct relating to teacher-pupil relationships.
The Code prohibits sexual harassment of pupils and treats sexual intercourse between a staff member and a student as professional misconduct.The Headteacher said any teacher found culpable would face disciplinary action.
“A teacher has no right. If you do it, Ghana Education Service will sack you once it is established that you did it,” he reportedly said.
The investigation also raised concerns about provisions relating to the improper use of children’s labour, particularly where pupils are allegedly used for private domestic services.
Accused Teacher Declines
Attempts to obtain a response from Bismark Amedorgbor were unsuccessful. When contacted by the investigative team, the teacher said he wanted to seek permission from his Headteacher before commenting.
He promised to return the call but, according to the investigation, did not subsequently provide a substantive response to the allegations.
Community Divided
The controversy has also divided residents over whether the matter should be resolved traditionally or prosecuted. School Management Committee Vice Chairperson Cecilia Apenteng reportedly supported a local settlement, arguing that a conviction could discourage teachers from accepting postings to the community.
Another resident, Teye Reuben, disagreed and called for prosecution, arguing that a court process would provide a stronger deterrent.
He said resolving the matter at home would not adequately address the concerns surrounding the alleged conduct.
Victim Opposes Prosecution
In another complicated aspect of the case, the girl herself reportedly told the investigative team that she did not want the teacher prosecuted.
She explained that the teacher had allegedly supported her education by paying printing costs, buying books and occasionally giving her money for school.
Some family sources reportedly disputed this explanation and alleged that the teacher’s assistance was connected to farm labour involving the girl and other pupils.
The conflicting accounts highlight the complex relationship between a child and an adult who allegedly occupied both an educational and supportive role in her life.
Police Reject out-of-Court Settlement
Despite the proposed traditional settlement, the police have indicated that they intend to continue with the investigation.
Superintendent Abadamlora reportedly assured the investigative team that DOVVSU would not simply allow the matter to be withdrawn for out-of-court arbitration.
