Gender advocate calls for impartial probe into Obuasi SHTS sexual abuse allegations involving headmaster 

Abigail Asor Asante, Vice Chairperson for Youth Development and Gender Inclusion of the Ghana Students Association of Research, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creative Arts (GSAREICA), has called for an impartial investigation into sexual misconduct allegations involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS).

This follows an investigative report by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni detailing allegations of sexual abuse involving female students at the school, with the number of students who have reportedly come forward rising to 19.

The allegations include rape, sexual harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct, raising concerns about the protection of students and the handling of complaints against school authorities.

She said the safety and well-being of students must be prioritised and that schools must remain safe environments free from abuse, intimidation and harassment.

In a statement published on the association’s official Facebook page on Wednesday, October 21, Ms Asante cautioned against politicising the allegations or allowing political affiliations and personal interests to influence the pursuit of justice.

“Sexual assault is not a partisan issue,” she stated, cautioning against comments that trivialise the allegations or rush to defend individuals without considering the possible impact on affected students.

Ms Asante acknowledged the importance of the presumption of innocence and due process but said these principles must not prevent authorities from taking the allegations seriously and protecting students.

She called for prompt action by the relevant authorities in accordance with the law, alongside appropriate safeguarding measures and psychosocial support for students who may have been affected.

The GSAREICA official also urged the public to exercise restraint in discussing the matter and avoid comments that could intimidate, ridicule or cause further distress to potential victims.

She maintained that respecting the rights of the accused should not mean neglecting student safety, adding that accountability and due process must work together in addressing allegations of sexual misconduct.

Meanwhile, the headmaster has been interdicted by the Ghana Education Service pending the outcome of ongoing investigations into the matter.