A 14-year-old British boy who took his parents to court after they sent him on a boarding school in Africa must remain there until the end of his GCSES, a high court has ruled.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was brought to Ghana in March 2024 after he was told he was visiting a sick relative.
In fact, his parents wanted him to move there after concerns about his behavior in London, including absences from school, involving money, court papers said. The boy denied being part of a gang or carrying a weapon.
A judge ruled on Monday that the boy must remain in Ghana and prepare to return after completing the equivalent of GCSSEs.
After saying he was unhappy and lonely in Ghana, the boy found lawyers who funded and brought a case against his parents at the High Court in London, in February.
she he lost his first comeback bid When an honorable court ruling ruled that he was at risk of suffering further harm upon returning to the UK.
Then, in June He won a court of appeal To get a reaction to the case after the most senior judge in the Family Division, Sir Andrew Mcfarlane, said there was confusion over the previous decision.
On Tuesday, the high court handed down its judgment, ruling against the boy’s wishes, pointing to the disruption, including his school work and his family life.
Judge Grs Justice sentenced Theis said: “I know that the conclusion I have reached is not agreeable [his] Want and how to feel for him…
“[He] has the talent, ability and intelligence to do this work with his family. It is difficult but they all have a common purpose for [him] To return to live with his family. “
The boy, who is almost 15 and holds British and Ghanian citizenship, remains at school in Ghana and studies for his GCSS.
He previously told the court he was “living in hell” and was “desperate” to return to the UK.
He described feeling “like a foreigner” in Ghana and “abandoned” by his family. He doesn’t speak Twi and says he struggles with making friends and feels socially anxious.
The boy welcomed the “judgment’s decision which will set out a clear roadmap for his return to the UK, said his solicitor, James Netto Group.
Mr. Netto described the case as “very difficult … on every level”.
He said the boy did not want to be in a position where he was “obliged” to take court action against his own parents, but their actions “left him without a meaningful substitute”.
“His position remains unchanged: he wants to go home,” added Mr. Netto.
The boy’s mother said she would not be able to look after him if he returned to the UK before his gucses ran out.
She said: “It’s so hard to be away from him … I’m scared and will continue to be scared if he comes back now, I know he won’t see it like that …”
Delivering her judgement, Mrs Justice explained that the child should “remain resident in Ghana with the aim of laying down a road map and taking the necessary steps for [him] to return here after completing his GCSES”.
He added: “If that happens, it is time to check.”
The “Road Map” includes participation in palliative therapy funded by their local authority.