Veep’s silence on Obuasi SHTS scandal worrying – Miracles Aboagye

The National Communications Director of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has expressed concern over Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s silence on allegations of sexual abuse involving female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS).

He said the Vice President’s position as Ghana’s first female Vice President had created expectations that she would speak out on issues affecting girls and advocate for their protection.

His comments come amid public concern over allegations against the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, which have triggered investigations and calls for accountability.

Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, October 21, Miracles Aboagye said the Vice President’s silence could disappoint women and girls who expected her to speak up on the matter.

“The level of disappointment that women and girls are beginning to have in our first female Vice President is amazing,” he said.

The NPP spokesperson argued that the public expected Professor Opoku-Agyemang to demonstrate empathy and use her position to champion the protection of girls, particularly when allegations of sexual abuse emerged.

He cited an earlier incident involving students who reportedly died in an accident on the Suhum–Kumasi Highway, saying the public had also questioned the Vice President’s response at the time.

He acknowledged that the Vice President could be working behind the scenes but noted that public advocacy is important in strengthening efforts to protect girls.

“The thing about girl child protection is advocacy. When the voices of the highest person, highest female of the land, the voice is heard, it reinforces the fight and the protection,” he added.

The Obuasi SHTS controversy follows an investigative report by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni that detailed allegations of sexual abuse against about 19 female students by the school’s headmaster.

The Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, subsequently directed the headmaster’s suspension pending investigations.

The Ghana Education Service has also directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education and the Obuasi Municipal Director of Education to step aside to allow investigations to proceed without interference.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has further disclosed that the headmaster was arrested as police investigations continued.