A 14-year-old British boy who sued his parents after they sent him to boarding school in Ghana will have to remain there until at least the end of his GCSEs, a High Court judge has ruled.
The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was taken to Ghana in March 2024 under the pretext of visiting a sick relative. However, court documents revealed that his parents had arranged for him to stay there due to concerns over his behaviour in London, including truancy, unexplained money, and carrying a knife—allegations the boy denies.
He later took legal action against his parents, claiming he was homesick and unhappy in Ghana. He said he felt “like an alien,” struggled to make friends, and did not speak Twi. The boy managed to obtain publicly funded legal representation and brought the case to the High Court in London earlier this year.
An initial ruling in February went against him, with the judge finding he would face greater harm if he returned to the UK. In June, the Court of Appeal ordered the case to be reheard, citing confusion in the earlier decision.
On Tuesday, the High Court reaffirmed that the boy should remain in Ghana to complete his studies. Mrs Justice Theis said she recognised that the decision conflicted with his wishes but emphasised that it aimed to support his education and long-term wellbeing.
“He has the talent, ability, and intelligence to make this work together with his family,” the judge said. “It will be difficult, but they all share the common aim of his eventual return.”
The boy’s solicitor, James Netto of the International Family Law Group, said his client “welcomes the clarity” of the ruling but remains determined to return home.
His mother told the court she feared for his safety if he came back before finishing school, saying:
“It’s really hard to be away from him, but I fear that if he came back now, he could end up dead.”
The judgment outlines a “road map” for the boy’s eventual return to the UK, including family therapy funded by their local authority.
The plan will be reviewed once his GCSEs are completed to determine when and how he can safely reunite with his family.
