‘Better to defend a liar than a rapist’ — Sister Derby on Obuasi SHTS sex saga

Musician Sister Derby has sparked debate over the Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) sexual abuse allegations after declaring that she would rather defend someone who is a liar than risk defending a rapist.

The songstress made the remarks in a strongly worded social media post addressing people who insist that the school's headmaster should not be judged before a court determines his guilt.

Sister Derby questioned the motives of individuals she believes are quick to defend the accused but less concerned about the welfare of young people and other alleged victims of sexual violence.

She argued that discussions surrounding the allegations should not be reduced to defending the accused at the expense of those who have come forward with complaints.

Addressing concerns about the possibility of false allegations, she stated: “it’s better to have defended a liar than to have defended a rapist!”

Her comments also targeted social media users she accused of engaging in victim-blaming and attempting to silence people who speak out against sexual abuse.

According to Sister Derby, the fight against sexual assault should not be limited by the gender of the alleged victim. She urged Ghanaians to focus on the wider issue of abuse and the need to protect vulnerable people.

The comments come amid growing public scrutiny of allegations involving Zakaria Abdulai, headmaster of Obuasi SHTS in the Ashanti Region.

The Ghana Education Service has reportedly interdicted the headmaster following allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students.

The issue gained further prominence after investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni published a documentary titled Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow. The investigation examined allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape involving about 19 students.

The case has triggered public debate about accountability, the protection of students and how institutions respond when allegations of sexual abuse are raised.