A 14-year-old British boy who sued his parents after they sent him to a boarding school in Ghana must remain there until he completes his GCSEs, a High Court judge has ruled.
The boy, who has dual British and Ghanaian citizenship, was taken to Ghana in March 2024 under the pretense of visiting a sick relative. Court documents revealed that his parents had concerns about his behaviour in London, including skipping school and carrying a knife, claims he denies.
Feeling “unhappy and homesick,” he hired publicly funded lawyers and filed a case against his parents, arguing that he was “living in hell” and felt abandoned. After several hearings, Justice Theis ruled that staying in Ghana was in his best interest, citing the need for stability and continued education.
The judge said she understood the decision went against the boy’s wishes but noted that it offered a clear roadmap for his eventual return to the UK after his exams. His mother told the court she feared for his safety if he returned too soon.
The plan includes family therapy and a review of his situation once he completes his studies.
@GuardianNigeria
