British Teen Ordered to Stay in Ghana After Parents’ Court Dispute

A 14-year-old British boy will remain in Ghana following a court ruling after his parents left him there for his safety, citing fears of gang violence in the UK. The boy claimed deception in his travel and expressed discomfort in Ghana. Despite this, the court ruled that his return to the UK posed greater risks to his wellbeing.

A 14-year-old British boy has been mandated to remain in Ghana after a court ruling followed his parents’ decision to leave him there due to concerns for his safety regarding gang violence in the UK. The teenager asserts that he was deceived into visiting Ghana under the pretense of seeing a sick relative and wishes to return to London, where he has lived since birth.

During the High Court proceedings, his legal representatives contended that he should be brought back to the UK, citing abandonment by his parents both physically and emotionally. However, the court decided that the risk of greater harm for the boy would exist should he be returned to the UK, as opposed to remaining in Ghana.

The judge acknowledged the distressing nature of the situation and emphasized that the parents acted out of genuine fear and desperation. Their decision, while criticized, was determined to fall within the scope of parental discretion. The court also noted the parents’ concern regarding their son’s history of poor school attendance and potential risks he faced back home.

The boy has expressed feelings of discomfort and alienation at his Ghanaian school, reporting instances of being mocked and struggling to understand his surroundings. Frustrated and frightened, he sought assistance from the British High Commission in Accra and engaged with the charity Children and Family Across Borders, which connected him to legal support.

In response to the court’s verdict, the boy’s parents released a statement expressing their gratitude to the court and their legal team for their diligent efforts and commitment to safeguarding their son. They underscored the challenging nature of the circumstances surrounding their decision.

The High Court’s decision to keep the British boy in Ghana stems from concerns for his welfare and safety, as expressed by his parents. The ruling reflects parental desperation in response to the risks posed by gang violence in the UK. The boy’s adverse experiences in Ghana and his subsequent outreach for help illustrate the complexities involving familial attachments and the challenges of navigating different cultural environments. This case highlights the sensitive balance between parental rights and the rights of children, particularly in cases involving international custody disputes.

Original Source: www.lbc.co.uk