Obuasi SHTS Sex Abuse Scandal Rocks Education Ministry: Headmaster Granted Bail Amidst Calls for Inquiry

The "Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow" investigation by JoyNews journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has brought to light serious allegations of sexual abuse against Zakaria Abdulai, the suspended headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS). These allegations reportedly involve as many as 19 female students, with specific claims of rape.

Mr. Abdulai, who also served as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Juaben Constituency Secretary, has been interdicted by the Ghana Education Service (GES). He confirmed being cautioned by the police and granted self-recognisance bail concerning a complaint from one alleged victim.

While denying the allegations, Mr. Abdulai suggested they constitute a plot against him. He noted that one accuser is between 20 and 21 years old and has a child, though he stated he could not judge her character. Following the exposé, he withdrew from the NDC constituency chairmanship race under party pressure and has since sued Manasseh Azure Awuni and the Multimedia Group for defamation.

Law enforcement has confirmed that a case docket related to one specific victim—a 20-year-old Form Two student who reported an alleged rape on July 25, 2026, and a subsequent GH¢100 payment to ensure her silence—has been forwarded to the Attorney-General for study and advice.

Police have clarified that this docket pertains to an individual complaint, emphasizing that other allegations would require separate investigations. Mr. Abdulai is presumed innocent until proven guilty, with the allegations yet to be established in court.

The National Democratic Congress reacted firmly to the controversy, particularly after its Amasaman Communications Officer, Daniel Nortey, made highly controversial remarks during a panel discussion, questioning the gravity of rape allegations. Mr. Nortey was immediately barred from all media appearances and public engagements on behalf of the party.

He later issued a public apology, attributing his comments to a heated discussion and asserting they did not reflect his actual stance on rape, appealing for forgiveness from women and the general public. NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey condemned Nortey’s statements, reiterating the party's strong stance against sexual abuse.

Mr. Kwetey also affirmed that the NDC would not shield Zakaria Abdulai, calling for an independent and thorough investigation by law enforcement and committing to accept its outcome. He clarified that the party's initial position on Mr. Abdulai's situation evolved after a comprehensive review of the detailed report aired by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.

In response to the exposed systemic weaknesses, the Ministry of Education is developing direct reporting channels, including a dedicated hotline. This initiative aims to allow students, parents, teachers, and community members to report sexual abuse in schools without having to go through local authorities who might be implicated. Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak highlighted that the Obuasi SHTS case revealed deficiencies in the existing reporting structure. Dr. Apaak also clarified an earlier, separate incident involving the headmaster and student unrest concerned allegations of a fetus burial on school premises, not sexual abuse, urging a clear distinction between the events. The GES temporarily closed Obuasi SHTS due to disturbances but has announced that preparations are underway for continuing students to return to school, with first-year students having already resumed classes.

Adding to the calls for accountability, the Minority in Parliament is demanding an independent parliamentary inquiry into how earlier complaints against Mr. Abdulai were handled, including probing for any political interference. Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei stressed the need for justice for the alleged victims and accountability for any officials who failed to act appropriately. The Minority's demands include a thorough investigation of all allegations, prompt advice from the Attorney-General, prosecution where warranted, protection and support services for affected students, and a statement from responsible ministers to Parliament detailing the chronology of events and implemented safeguarding measures.