From shock to action: Protecting our children from sexual abuse
I wish to commend Manasseh Azure for his documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, which has brought renewed attention to the disturbing reality of sexual abuse in our secondary schools. May I confess that, as a researcher who has conducted extensive studies on child sexual abuse in Ghana, I have not yet gathered the courage to watch the documentary because of how horrifying and distressing the story is. Although it has shocked many Ghanaians and left others speechless, I fear that what it reveals may only be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the reality of child sexual abuse in our society. Many children are abused in places where they should feel safest, including their schools and homes. Sadly, some are abused by the very people entrusted with their care and protection. Perpetrators may include teachers, relatives, domestic workers, strangers, and others who exploit children's vulnerability and trust.