A 14-year-old British boy, who was sent to a boarding school in Ghana by his parents, has been ordered by a High Court judge to remain there until he completes his GCSEs. The boy, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was taken to Ghana in March 2024 under the pretense of visiting a sick relative. However, court documents reveal that his parents decided to relocate him due to concerns about his behavior in London, including school absences, possession of unexplained money, and carrying a knife. The boy denies any involvement in gang activity or carrying a weapon.
In February, the boy, feeling unhappy and homesick, sought publicly funded legal representation and filed a case against his parents in the High Court in London. His initial attempt to return to the UK was denied when a judge ruled that he would face greater harm if he returned. However, in June, he won a Court of Appeal bid to have the case rehearted after Sir Andrew McFarlane, the most senior judge in the Family Division, identified confusion in the previous decision.
On Tuesday, the High Court delivered its final judgment, ruling against the boy’s wishes. Judge Mrs Justice Theis emphasized the ongoing disruptions to his education and family life as key factors in the decision. She acknowledged the boy’s distress but highlighted his potential to succeed with the support of his family. The boy, who holds dual British and Ghanaian citizenship, remains in school in Ghana, preparing for his GCSEs.
The boy’s solicitor, James Netto of the International Family Law Group, stated that the boy ‘welcomes’ the judge’s decision to establish a clear roadmap for his return to the UK. Netto described the case as ‘extremely difficult’ and noted that the boy never wanted to take legal action against his parents but felt he had no other choice. The boy’s mother expressed her fears about his safety if he were to return to the UK prematurely, stating that she would be unable to care for him adequately.
Judge Theis outlined a ‘road map’ for the boy’s return, which includes participation in family therapy funded by their local authority. The final decision on his return will be reviewed closer to the completion of his GCSEs.