A 14-year-old British boy who took his parents to court after they sent him to boarding school in Ghana must remain there until he completes his GCSE
A 14-year-old British boy who took his parents to court after they sent him to boarding school in Ghana must remain there until he completes his GCSEs, a High Court judge has ruled.
The boy, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was taken to Ghana in March 2024 under the pretense of visiting a sick relative. In reality, his parents sent him there due to concerns about his behavior in London, including school absences, unexplained money, and carrying a knife—allegations he denies.
The boy initially challenged his parents’ decision in the High Court in London, citing unhappiness and homesickness. He lost his first attempt to return after a judge ruled he would face greater harm if sent back to the UK.
In June, he won a Court of Appeal bid to have the case reheard following concerns about the clarity of the previous ruling.
On Tuesday, High Court Judge Mrs Justice Theis ruled that the boy should remain in Ghana to complete his schooling, citing ongoing disruption to his education and family life. She acknowledged that the decision would not align with his wishes but emphasized that the boy has the talent and intelligence to adapt and that the family shares the goal of his eventual return.
The teen, who holds both British and Ghanaian citizenship, has described his time in Ghana as “living in hell,” struggling with language barriers, social isolation, and anxiety. He told the court he felt “like an alien” and “abandoned” by his family.
Despite his distress, his solicitor, James Netto, welcomed the court’s roadmap for his eventual return to the UK, while noting the case’s extreme difficulty. Netto said the boy never wanted to sue his parents but felt he had no meaningful alternative.
The boy’s mother said she could not safely care for him in the UK before he completed his GCSEs, citing fears for his wellbeing.
Mrs Justice Theis stated that the boy should “remain living in Ghana with the aim of setting out a roadmap and taking the necessary steps to return to the UK after completing his GCSEs.” This plan includes participation in family therapy funded by the local authority, with the case to be reviewed as he nears the end of his studies.