A British boy, 14, is compelled to stay in Ghana after a court ruling decided he faces greater risks if returned to the UK. His parents left him there citing safety concerns about gang violence. Despite his claims of feeling abandoned and isolated in Ghana, the court upheld the parents’ decision, indicating their genuine fears for his safety.
A British teenager, aged 14, has been mandated to remain in Ghana after losing a legal appeal against his parents, who left him in the country due to fears regarding his safety from potential gang violence in the UK. The minor claims he was misled into traveling to Ghana under the pretense of visiting a sick relative. In court, he expressed a desire to return to his home in London, stating, “I am from London, England, and I want to go back home.”
During the High Court proceedings, the boy’s legal representatives petitioned for his repatriation, arguing he had been “physically and emotionally abandoned” by his parents. However, the presiding judge ruled against him, stating that returning to the UK posed a greater risk of harm than remaining in Ghana. The judge acknowledged the difficult nature of the decision but emphasized the parents’ genuine concern for their son’s welfare.
The court heard evidence regarding the boy’s behavior prior to his departure, including poor school attendance, aggression, and involvement in theft. Witnesses reported that he was engaging in risky conversations online and might be vulnerable to grooming. The judge recognized the parents acted out of desperation, despite the controversy surrounding their actions, indicating, “It is their case, which I have no difficulty accepting, that they were genuinely worried about his safety.”
The boy has reported feeling isolated in Ghana, expressing that he felt “mocked” and struggled to adjust to his new school environment, which left him feeling scared and desperate. He reached out for assistance from the British High Commission and a charity to seek legal help. Following the ruling, the parents expressed gratitude to the court for its careful consideration and thanked their legal representatives for their support throughout the difficult ordeal, emphasizing their intention to protect their son’s wellbeing.
This case highlights the complex and often heartbreaking dynamics that can arise within family situations, particularly regarding the safety and wellbeing of minors. The court’s ruling underscores the prioritization of perceived safety over familial ties, illustrating the difficult decisions faced by parents. The teenager’s circumstances in Ghana raise pressing questions about the effectiveness of such interventions and the ongoing support required for displaced minors.
Original Source: www.lbc.co.uk
