Sex Abuse Scandal Rocks Obuasi SHTS: Head Accused, Calls Mount for Accountability

A comprehensive investigation by JoyNews correspondent Manasseh Azure Awuni has brought to light serious allegations of sexual abuse involving female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School, leading to the suspension of the institution's headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai. The investigation revealed that municipal authorities, education officials, and other influential figures were aware of these allegations for months before any decisive action was taken, prompting widespread calls for accountability.

Esther Amarh, founder of Moving Masculinity, has forcefully advocated for sanctions against all officials and institutions that failed to address the complaints. Speaking on Joy FM’s Middaynews, Ms. Amarh emphasized that accountability must extend beyond the suspended headmaster to everyone who received reports but neglected their duty to protect the students. She demanded an audit to identify culpable officials, asserting that those found responsible for inaction must face significant consequences, including potential impacts on their salaries and promotion prospects. Amarh warned that without such measures, similar incidents of abuse would continue unchecked in schools, highlighting that appeals to morality alone have proven insufficient.

Amarh characterized the situation as compelling evidence of a systemic failure within the nation's educational framework to safeguard children. She argued that authorities only responded once the allegations garnered public attention and national shame, rather than being motivated by conscience, morality, or the inherent rights of the students. Her extensive experience, spanning seven to nine years in addressing sexual abuse issues, reveals a consistent pattern: reports from students are met with inaction and silence, leading to escalation, ruined lives, and interrupted education. Ms. Amarh urged Ghana to recognize and treat sexual abuse in schools as a national public health crisis, rather than dismissing them as isolated incidents.

Further complicating the matter, Manasseh Azure Awuni disclosed that headmaster Zakaria Abdulai is a serving constituency secretary for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and an aspirant for a chairmanship position within the party. This political affiliation emerged during the filming of the documentary, 'Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow.' Awuni expressed alarm over the widespread knowledge of the allegations among residents, including NDC members, coupled with a notable reluctance to speak publicly. Interactions during the investigation suggested that the headmaster, given his position of power and political connections, might have been enjoying protection from influential individuals, contributing to the prolonged inaction despite reports being known to various school personnel and the Ghana Education Service at both district and regional levels.

Following the revelations, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, on October 13, directed the Ghana Education Service to immediately suspend Mr. Abdulai pending a full investigation. The Minister also formally requested an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service, signaling a move towards official intervention and justice.