Omanghana
Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni says the number of female students alleging sexual abuse by the interdicted headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, increased from 14 to 16 during his investigation.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, October 15, Awuni explained that the information initially brought to his attention concerned five students. His subsequent inquiries identified 14 complainants, with two additional students later coming forward with similar allegations.
The claims form part of his documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, which examines alleged misconduct involving Abdulai.
The Ghana Education Service interdicted the headmaster on October 14 pending investigations. The decision followed an October 13 directive from Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu ordering his immediate suspension while the allegations were examined.
In a further development, police announced on October 16 that a docket concerning an alleged rape involving Abdulai had been forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice.
The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ashanti South Regional Police Command said the case followed a complaint lodged by a student in August. Investigators said they had completed procedures including a medical examination, a reconstruction of the scene and the collection of witness statements.
Awuni also expressed concern about what he described as prior awareness of the allegations within the community and a reluctance by some people to speak publicly.
The reported total of 16 complainants comes from the journalist’s investigation. The allegations remain subject to official investigations and have not been established as findings of guilt by a court.
Source: Omanghana
