Obuasi SHTS Allegations: Our Girls Deserve Justice

Hon. Hajia Fatahiya Abdul Aziz

As a mother, a lawmaker, and a representative of the people, I am deeply troubled by the allegations of sexual abuse involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (Obuasi SHTS) and at least 19 female students.

Our schools must be safe spaces where young people learn, grow, and prepare for the future. These allegations are particularly disturbing because they involve a person entrusted with the welfare and guidance of students.

A DISTURBING DELAY IN ACTION

Reports indicate that complaints were made to the Ghana Education Service as far back as March 2026, yet decisive action appears to have followed only after investigative journalism and student protests brought the matter into the national spotlight.

Although the Interior Minister announced the headmaster’s arrest a few days ago, the public deserves assurance that the investigation will proceed transparently and that anyone found culpable will face the full consequences of the law.

No political affiliation or connection to the ruling government should shield anyone from investigation or accountability. The protection of our children must never be compromised by political considerations.

A BROADER CONCERN FOR STUDENT SAFETY

The concerns extend beyond Obuasi. Reports from Bole Senior High School in June 2026 and Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School in August 2026 have also raised serious questions about student safety and institutional responses to alleged sexual misconduct.

These cases underscore the need to move beyond reactive suspensions and assurances. Allegations of criminal conduct must be referred to the appropriate authorities, while school officials who fail to act on complaints must be held accountable where negligence is established.

WHAT MUST BE DONE

I call on the government and relevant institutions to:

1. Ensure justice: Conduct thorough, impartial investigations and prosecute anyone found culpable. This must be done without political interference.
2. Establish accountability: Investigate the handling of earlier complaints and sanction officials found to have neglected their responsibilities.
3. Support affected students: Provide appropriate psychological and social support to the students and their families.
4. Strengthen safeguards: Improve reporting mechanisms and school protection policies to ensure complaints are addressed promptly.

To the young girls affected by these allegations, your welfare and dignity matter. You deserve to be heard, protected, and treated with compassion throughout this process.

The government must demonstrate its commitment to child protection through decisive action and not words alone.

Hon. Hajia Fatahiya Abdul Aziz
Member of Parliament for Savelugu Constituency