Basic Schools

Eight-Year-Old Dodowa Schoolgirl Faces Possible Amputation After Alleged Abuse by Housemistress

12th January 2026

Ferdinand | EducationGhana | January 12 | Eight-Year-Old Dodowa Schoolgirl Faces Possible Amputation After Alleged Abuse by Housemistress

An eight-year-old pupil at St. Olives Grammar Boarding School in Dodowa risks amputation after her housemistress allegedly forced her legs into hot water to treat a foot infection. Police investigations are underway.

Incident Raises Serious Child Protection Concerns

An eight-year-old girl, identified as Jalila Abdul Jalil, a Class Two pupil at St. Olives Grammar Boarding School in Dodowa, is facing the risk of leg amputation following an alleged act of abuse by her housemistress.

According to preliminary reports, the housemistress allegedly forced the child’s legs into hot water in an attempt to treat a condition described as foot rot. The incident has sparked public outrage and renewed concerns about child safety in boarding schools.

Background to the Injury

Sources close to the family indicate that Jalila developed a severe leg ulcer after she was allegedly compelled to wear the same pair of socks repeatedly over an extended period. This instruction, according to the family, was given by school authorities.

The prolonged use of unwashed socks is believed to have worsened an underlying infection, eventually leading to the development of open sores on her legs.

Alleged “Treatment” and Medical Complications

In what has been described as an unapproved and dangerous intervention, the housemistress reportedly immersed the child’s legs in hot water as a form of treatment.

Medical experts warn that such actions can severely damage infected tissue, increase the risk of burns, and accelerate complications. Following the incident, Jalila’s condition reportedly deteriorated, prompting urgent medical attention. Doctors are now assessing the extent of tissue damage, with amputation being considered as a last resort to save her life.

Calls for Investigation and Accountability

The case has been reported to the appropriate authorities, and police investigations are expected to focus on possible child abuse, negligence, and breaches of duty of care. Child rights advocates are calling for swift action, stressing that boarding school staff have a legal and moral responsibility to protect pupils and seek proper medical care when children fall ill.

Renewed Debate on Boarding School Welfare

This incident has reignited national discussions on supervision, healthcare access, and safeguarding systems in Ghana’s private boarding schools. Education stakeholders are urging the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and enforce strict child protection policies.

What Parents Are Demanding

Parents and civil society groups are demanding:

A full and transparent investigation
Immediate medical and psychological support for the victim
Sanctions against any school officials found culpable
Clear national guidelines on health emergencies in boarding schools

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