Court Allows British Boy’s Case to Be Reheard
A 14-year-old British boy, tricked by his parents into moving to Ghana for boarding school, won a Court of Appeal bid in London on June 12, 2025. The teen, born in the UK, was sent to Accra in 2023 under the pretense of visiting a sick relative, only to be enrolled in a school. His case, lost in the High Court in February, will now be reheard.
The boy’s parents, originally from Ghana, moved him to protect him from gang violence in London, fearing he could be stabbed. They told the court they didn’t want their son to be “another Black teenager killed.” But the teen, described as shy and a keen footballer, said the Ghanaian school was “hell,” with a tough curriculum and fights, leaving him isolated.
In the High Court, Judge Anthony Hayden ruled the boy was safer in Ghana, despite criticizing the parents’ tactics. The Court of Appeal, however, found the judge had ignored the teen’s own wishes and welfare, given his maturity. The boy’s lawyer, James Netto, called the appeal win “hugely significant” for international family law.
The teen remains in Ghana, attending a day school while awaiting the new hearing. His parents’ lawyer, Rebecca Foulkes, argued that staying in Ghana was the “least harmful” option. The case has sparked debate about parental rights versus a child’s voice, with the boy still hoping to return to London.
The rehearing will decide if the teen can return to the UK or stay in Ghana. His legal team is pushing for his views to be heard, while his parents stand by their decision to keep him safe. The outcome could set a precedent for similar cases involving teens and international moves.