UK High Court Rules That Teen Sent to Ghana by His London-Based Parents Will Not Return to the United Kingdom

Paula Gonçales
22 hours ago
3 min read

Updated: 19 hours ago

On 27 February 2025, the High Court of England and Wales ruled that a British teenager, identified in the proceedings only as "S", should remain in Ghana, where his parents had enrolled him in a private boarding school.

The teenager, now 14 years old, was 13 when his parents took him from the United Kingdom to Ghana in March 2024 under the pretext of visiting an ill relative. Once there, he discovered that he had in fact been relocated to attend boarding school. He subsequently began legal proceedings seeking permission to return to England.

The Family's Background

"S" and his parents hold dual British and Ghanaian nationality. His parents emigrated to the United Kingdom in 2000 and have lived there ever since.

According to the evidence presented before the Court, the parents had become increasingly concerned about their son's safety and behavior while living in London. The teenager's mother testified that she feared he could become a victim of youth violence linked to London gangs, referring to the recent fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa in Woolwich as an example of the risks she believed her son faced.

The Teenager's Arguments

During the proceedings, "S" told the Court that he had experienced bullying and significant difficulties adjusting to life at his new school in Ghana. He described feelings of isolation, fear, and academic setbacks.

Seeking assistance, he contacted both the British High Commission in Accra and the charity Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB), which referred him to specialist legal representation.

In September 2024, "S" formally asked the British authorities to assume responsibility for his welfare and sought a court order requiring his return to England.

The Court's Decision

Despite acknowledging the circumstances under which the teenager was taken to Ghana, the Court concluded that his parents had acted within the scope of lawful parental decision-making.

In its judgment, the Court stated:

"While I deplore the parents' deception in taking 'S' to Ghana, I have no doubt that he would not have gone willingly. I accept that they felt they had no alternative and believed that the greater risk of harm lay in his remaining in the United Kingdom. Their decision falls within what I regard as the generous ambit of parental decision-making into which the State should not intrude. Accordingly, while the parents require no praise from me, I hope it may provide them with some comfort that, having heard all the evidence, I share their view as to where their son's best interests lie."

The Court therefore held that remaining in Ghana was in the child's best interests, despite the parents' deception regarding the purpose of the trip.

What Happens Next?

Following the judgment, the teenager's parents stated that their overriding objective had always been to safeguard their son's welfare and protect him from the risks they believed he faced in London.

According to his legal representatives, "S" is carefully considering the legal options available to him following the High Court's decision.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you require guidance regarding your specific circumstances, please consult a qualified legal professional.