Parliament’s Human Rights Committee demands swift investigations in Obuasi SHTS sexual abuse case

Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights has called on the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Attorney-General to expedite investigations and prosecution processes in the sexual abuse case involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS).

The Committee’s call follows reports that 19 female students have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse involving the school’s headmaster, prompting public outrage and renewed demands for accountability.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 21, and signed by its chairman, Kumawu MP Ernest Yaw Anim, the Committee also urged authorities to provide urgent support for the affected students and investigate any officials who may have failed to act on earlier complaints.

“We call on the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Attorney-General to expedite all necessary investigative and prosecutorial processes, including the examination of the allegations involving the other students,” the statement said.

The Committee said it had taken note of developments in the police investigation, including the reported arrest of the headmaster and the submission of a case docket to the Attorney-General.

It stressed that where available evidence establishes grounds for prosecution, the necessary action must be taken promptly and in accordance with the law, while respecting due process.

The Committee further called on the Ministries of Education and Gender, Children and Social Protection to ensure that affected students receive psychological counselling, psychosocial support and protection from intimidation, stigma and retaliation.

It also urged the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to strengthen confidential and accessible reporting channels so students can report sexual abuse without fear and complaints are promptly referred to the appropriate authorities.

The Committee called for a swift and impartial investigation into the conduct of officials who may have received earlier complaints but failed to take appropriate action, adding that any breach of duty established through due process must attract the necessary sanctions.

“The safety of students is a fundamental human rights obligation. Schools must be safe environments where children are protected, respected and able to pursue their education without fear,” the statement added.

The Committee said it would continue to monitor developments in the case and advocate for stronger safeguards to prevent similar incidents in schools.