Obuasi SHTS Headmaster Under Fire Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations, Calls for Prosecution Mount

Allegations of sexual abuse involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, and a female student have drawn strong condemnation from various stakeholders, leading to calls for swift and impartial investigations, prosecution, and a comprehensive review of safeguarding protocols within educational institutions across Ghana. The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has already directed the immediate suspension of the headmaster following the initial reports.

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), in a press statement signed by its President, Rashid Ibrahim Esq., on October 16, described the allegations as deeply troubling. NUGS stressed that school authorities are entrusted with the responsibility to protect students, not expose them to harm. The union highlighted the broader issue of sexual harassment, intimidation, and abuse of authority faced by female students in both senior high schools and tertiary institutions. NUGS called for the Ghana Education Service (GES) and relevant investigative authorities to act promptly, conducting a thorough and impartial investigation. It further urged authorities to prioritize the welfare of the affected student by providing necessary counseling and support, protecting her identity, and ensuring she is not subjected to intimidation or retaliation for reporting the alleged abuse. Critically, NUGS insisted that if investigations establish the truth of the allegation, criminal prosecution must ensue, and administrative sanctions should not replace legal proceedings where criminal conduct is proven.

Dr. Kojo Asante, Director of Policy Engagement and Partnerships at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), also expressed profound concern, describing the reported institutional failures surrounding the case as “mind-boggling.” Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on October 16, Dr. Asante questioned why concerns, allegedly raised over an extended period—reportedly about a year—did not trigger decisive action, and why it took an investigative documentary by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni to bring the matter to national attention. He specifically urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to prevent the headmaster from contesting the Juaben constituency chairmanship until the allegations are thoroughly investigated, cautioning against allowing political interests to override accountability and child protection.

Dr. Asante emphasized that allegations of sexual assault constitute a criminal matter, not merely an administrative issue for the GES. He called for the involvement of law enforcement agencies, including the police, in investigating such complaints. He also raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing oversight structures within the school, such as the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), teachers, and school management, given the alleged persistence of concerns. He further questioned whether previous interventions by the police and Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) had produced satisfactory outcomes, insisting that current investigations must examine the underlying allegations that prompted student protests, not just the unrest itself.

Beyond the immediate incident, Dr. Asante called for a dedicated taskforce to review existing protocols for handling sexual abuse allegations in schools. This review, he argued, should establish clear procedures for reporting, investigating, and promptly addressing such claims, while also ensuring students are protected from further harm. Both NUGS and CDD-Ghana underscored the need to strengthen reporting mechanisms within educational institutions, ensuring students can report misconduct without fear of retaliation. They reiterated that all reports of sexual misconduct must be treated seriously and addressed promptly to safeguard students and promote accountability.

The collective sentiment from these organizations is that schools and universities must be safe, respected, and protected environments for learning. The case reflects a broader problem of accountability in Ghana, with both NUGS and CDD-Ghana stressing that individuals in positions of authority must be held accountable under the law, and that decisive action from education authorities, law enforcement, and political actors must prioritize protecting children and ensuring justice over any partisan interests or administrative expediency.