Omanghana
The Ministry of Education has pledged a full investigation into allegations of sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School, assuring the public that there will be no attempt to shield anyone found responsible.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu said the matter would be pursued through administrative and criminal processes, with officials from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection also involved in supporting affected students.
The allegations centre on headmaster Zakaria Abdulai, who is accused of sexually exploiting several female students. Reporting by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has brought renewed public attention to the case and raised questions about how earlier complaints were handled.
Iddrisu directed the Ghana Education Service to suspend and interdict Abdulai pending investigations. Temporary oversight of the school has been assigned to the Ashanti Regional Director of Education.
The case has also been referred to the Police Criminal Investigation Department for investigation and possible prosecution. The allegations against Abdulai have not been established by a court.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has dispatched a team to Obuasi to facilitate medical examinations and psychological counselling for affected students.
Sector Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey has urged media organisations to protect the identities of the children involved and avoid reporting that could expose them to further distress or stigma.
Parliament’s Human Rights Committee has condemned the alleged abuse and called for accountability under the applicable child-protection laws. The committee also urged the courts to impose the maximum applicable penalties where offences are proven.
The controversy follows unrest at the school in August 2026, when students assaulted the headmaster and damaged his bungalow amid accusations concerning his conduct. Abdulai was hospitalised at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital following the attack.
Six students and two teachers were initially arrested in connection with the disturbances. Subsequent scrutiny has focused increasingly on the sexual abuse allegations and the response of education authorities.
Advocacy groups, including the Association of Parents of Wholesome Children, have demanded transparency throughout the investigation.
Critics have also questioned why stronger action was not taken earlier, alleging that the school’s Old Students’ Association submitted formal complaints in July 2026. Some political figures have called for the resignation of the Education Minister and the GES Director-General over what they describe as a delayed response.
Government officials maintain that due process will guide the investigation, with accountability and support for affected students central to their response.
Source: Omanghana
