Obuasi SHTS Abuse: Head Sues for Defamation Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations, Victims Face Trauma

Zakaria Abdulai, the interdicted headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), has initiated a lawsuit against JoyNews investigative correspondent Manasseh Azure Awuni and the Multimedia Group Ghana Limited (MGL). The suit follows allegations of sexual abuse involving female students at the school, which were exposed in Mr. Azure's investigative piece titled "Inside The Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow." Mr. Abdulai, listed as the plaintiff, is seeking a declaration that the statements published about him are false, defamatory, and malicious. He also seeks an order of perpetual injunction to restrain further defamatory publications and GHS2 million in damages for defamation and other general damages. Mr. Azure noted that this marks his 12th defamation suit since 2015, stating his lawyers would handle the matter.

The investigative report by Manasseh Azure Awuni detailed alleged cases of rape involving the headmaster, leading to his interdiction by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and ongoing investigations. Following the exposé, Mr. Abdulai, who was also a Juaben Constituency Secretary for the National Democratic Congress and aspiring for Constituency Chairman, withdrew from the race under party pressure. The report also highlighted shortcomings in the justice system, revealing that some alleged sexual abuse cases reported to the Police had experienced slow or stalled investigations. Furthermore, it emerged that certain teachers, education authorities, and political figures failed to fulfill their responsibilities, resulting in pressure and victimisation against staff members, such as the school’s focal person and girl-child coordinator, who were determined to secure justice for the affected girls. The Police Criminal Investigations Department has since confirmed that the case docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General for advice.

In response to these grave allegations, Dr. Peggy Asiedua Ekremet, a clinical coordinator at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, has strongly advocated for immediate psychological support for the students alleged to have been sexually abused at Obuasi SHTS. Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Dr. Ekremet warned that such traumatic experiences could inflict lasting damage on the victims' mental health, educational progress, and future relationships. It was mentioned during the program that 19 girls had reported sexual assault. Dr. Ekremet emphasized that sexual abuse, whether harassment or rape, should never occur to children or adults, highlighting its severe psychological consequences.

She explained that the immediate reactions to such abuse often include shock, fear, emotional numbness, and a sense of detachment, which can evolve into an acute stress reaction characterized by sadness, guilt, shame, self-blame, hopelessness, and panic. The long-term effects can manifest in behavioral changes, strained relationships, and academic decline. Victims might suffer from flashbacks, intrusive memories, nightmares, and heightened vigilance, potentially panicking at sudden sounds or struggling to be in the presence of men. Behavioral changes could include withdrawal from social circles, increased anger, altered eating and sleeping patterns, and a significant loss of interest in school.

Dr. Ekremet identified sexual abuse as a major risk factor for depression, anxiety disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She also noted that some victims might resort to substance abuse (alcohol, smoking) as a coping mechanism. In severe cases, the immense emotional burden could tragically lead to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Underscoring the particular vulnerability of children and adolescents, Dr. Ekremet stressed the critical need for timely intervention to prevent their distress from escalating. She affirmed that immediate psychological first aid and ongoing professional care are essential, recommending that the girls access multidisciplinary teams available in mental health units in hospitals, with Kumasi being the nearest suitable location to Obuasi.

While acknowledging the Ghana Education Service’s guidance and counseling units in schools, Dr. Ekremet recognized that not all students would feel comfortable approaching a designated counselor. She suggested that some might find it easier to confide in other trusted adults, such as teachers. She urged schools to foster an environment where students feel safe to speak up and report abuse without fear of blame or threats, emphasizing the importance of empowering children to express themselves without fear of repercussions.