In a heart-wrenching incident that has galvanized the nation's attention towards the health and safety protocols in schools, Stacy Okyere, a 16-year-old first-year student at Aburi Girls Senior High School, tragically passed away on February 4, 2024. The family's anguish is palpable, with the father, Kingsley Okyere, accusing the school of negligence and demanding a detailed account of the events leading to his daughter's untimely death.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has initiated an internal investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding Stacy's death, who reportedly suffered from severe stomach pains and was allegedly denied timely medical attention by the school's nurse. This incident has led to a broader discourse on the adequacy of healthcare facilities and protocols in educational institutions.
Furthermore, the Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, disclosed that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has taken up the case, signaling the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation. The incident underscores a critical gap in the healthcare response system within schools, raising questions about the protocols for handling student emergencies.
As the community mourns Stacy's loss, there is a growing demand for accountability and an overhaul of school health and safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The outcome of the ongoing investigations by the GES and CID is eagerly awaited, not only for justice for Stacy but also for actionable insights that could safeguard the health and well-being of all students in Ghanaian schools.