Parliament committee demands swift probe into alleged sexual misconduct at Obuasi SHTS

Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights has called for an expedited investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai.

The call follows reports that 19 girls have come forward in connection with the allegations against the headmaster.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 21, the Committee urged the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Attorney-General to expedite investigations and any subsequent prosecution, including allegations involving other students.

It said where the evidence establishes grounds for prosecution, all necessary legal action must be taken without delay while ensuring that the rights of all parties and due process are respected.

The Committee also called on the Ministries of Education and Gender, Children and Social Protection to provide the affected students with psychological counselling, psychosocial support and protection against intimidation, stigma and retaliation.

It stressed that the privacy, dignity and educational welfare of the students must remain a priority throughout the investigative and legal processes.

The Committee further urged the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to strengthen confidential reporting mechanisms in schools to enable students to report sexual abuse and other forms of misconduct without fear.

It also called for an impartial investigation into the conduct of any officials who may have received earlier complaints about the alleged incidents but failed to take appropriate action.

According to the Committee, any failure of duty established through due process must result in the appropriate accountability measures.

“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 Committee will continue to monitor developments in this matter and advocate for effective safeguards to prevent similar incidents,” the statement added.

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