Court Rules Against Teen’s Bid To Return To London After Parents Enroll Him In Ghanaian School

A 14-year-old boy who took legal action against his parents after they enrolled him in a boarding school in Ghana has lost his case to return home to London.

His parents, concerned about potential gang involvement, decided to send him abroad for his safety. However, the teenager argued that he had been “physically and emotionally abandoned” and sought a court order to return to the UK.

Despite his claims of receiving “inadequate” food and education at the school, Justice Hayden ruled that the teenager was at a greater risk of harm in London than if he remained in Ghana. The judge acknowledged the ruling was “sobering and rather depressing” but concluded that the parents’ decision fell within their rights.

The High Court heard that the teenager had a history of poor school attendance, aggression, and vulnerability to grooming. There were also allegations of phone theft and suspicious social media activity.

His father’s lawyer, Rebecca Foulkes, stated that social workers had previously raised concerns about his behavior in the UK. Reports indicated he stayed out late, wore expensive clothing, and possessed multiple phones, leading to suspicions of criminal activity.

His lawyers, however, described him as “polite and articulate”, with a passion for football and cooking.

Barrister Amean Elgadhy commented that the case highlighted the tensions between parental authority and a child’s rights.

“The court accepted that the boy’s home was in London, but still ruled that he should remain in Ghana. This reflects the very real concerns about gang involvement in London,” Elgadhy said.

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The case underscores the difficult balance between child welfare and parental responsibility, with the court ultimately siding with the parents’ decision.