ActionAid Ghana petitions education minister over alleged sexual abuse of 19 Obuasi SHTS girls

ActionAid Ghana has petitioned the Minister of Education, calling for swift and transparent investigations into allegations of sexual abuse involving 19 female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) in the Ashanti Region.

In a petition dated October 23, 2026, the organisation expressed deep concern over reports alleging that the school's headmaster sexually abused the students and that education authorities had shielded the alleged perpetrator.

The organisation, which champions women's rights, child protection and social justice, stressed that the allegations raise serious concerns about student safety, accountability and the effectiveness of safeguarding systems within Ghana's educational institutions.

While emphasising the importance of the presumption of innocence and due process, ActionAid Ghana maintained that the allegations must be thoroughly investigated to establish the facts and ensure justice for the affected students.

44 Cases of Alleged Abuse Raise Alarm
ActionAid Ghana cited a JoyNews Research review that reportedly documented at least 44 cases of teachers and headteachers accused of sexually abusing students since 2015.

According to the petition, the cases included incidents reported at Bole SHS, Dzodze-Penyi SHS, Okadjakrom SHTS, KNUST SHS and Labone SHS, among others.

The organisation indicated that only 12 of the reported cases had resulted in convictions, while 23 had no reported outcomes.

It further expressed concern that no senior high school headteacher had ever been convicted in connection with such cases, describing the situation as a serious challenge to accountability and child protection in Ghana's education system.

ActionAid Ghana warned that the allegations involving Obuasi SHTS could point to broader safeguarding concerns requiring urgent attention across schools nationwide.

Calls for Justice and Accountability
The organisation identified the protection of girls in schools, bodily autonomy, dignity, consent, justice and accountability as key concerns arising from the allegations.

It argued that educational institutions have a responsibility to protect students against sexual exploitation, harassment, intimidation and other forms of violence.

ActionAid Ghana also raised questions about the effectiveness of existing reporting mechanisms and the protection available to students who report abuse, particularly the risk of intimidation or retaliation.

The organisation stressed that accountability must extend to anyone found, through due process, to have committed, facilitated or concealed abuse, irrespective of their social status or political affiliation.

Although it commended the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Education Service for their involvement in the matter, it expressed concern about the urgency given to the case and similar allegations previously reported.

ActionAid Demands Sweeping Reforms
As part of its demands, ActionAid Ghana called on the Ministry of Education and other relevant institutions to ensure transparent, impartial and expedited investigations into the allegations involving the Obuasi SHTS headmaster.

It insisted that the investigation must be free from political interference and focused on establishing the facts and delivering justice to the affected students.

The organisation also urged authorities to strengthen rights education and establish safe reporting mechanisms across schools to empower students to recognise abuse and report violations without fear.

Additionally, it called for an urgent review and enforcement of safeguarding policies throughout the education sector.

Among the proposed measures is the establishment of offender registers, subject to appropriate due process and confidentiality safeguards, as well as an end to the practice of quietly transferring alleged offenders to other schools without proper accountability.

ActionAid Ghana maintained that suspected cases of abuse must be addressed through appropriate investigative and disciplinary processes rather than concealed through administrative transfers.

Survivors Deserve Medical and Psychosocial Support

Beyond investigations and accountability, ActionAid Ghana called for comprehensive support for the students allegedly affected by the incidents.

The organisation urged the Ghana Education Service and other relevant state institutions to acknowledge the harm suffered and provide medical care, psychosocial support and legal assistance to the survivors.

It further demanded measures to ensure the students can continue their education without discrimination, stigma, intimidation or retaliation.

ActionAid Ghana emphasised that the response to the allegations should not be limited to identifying those responsible but must also address the needs of the affected students and any institutional failures that may have contributed to their vulnerability.

A Call for Safer Schools Across Ghana
In concluding its petition, ActionAid Ghana appealed to the Attorney-General, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Education Service, Ministry of Education and all relevant institutions to act with urgency, integrity and accountability.

The organisation also commended citizens for their engagement and commitment to social justice, urging them to remain vigilant until the matter is appropriately resolved.

It stressed that the outcome of the case should lead to stronger safeguarding systems, meaningful accountability and safer learning environments for every student.

ActionAid Ghana's central message is that schools must be places of learning and protection, where girls can pursue their education without fear of sexual abuse, intimidation or the misuse of authority.

The allegations remain subject to investigation, and any determination of criminal responsibility must follow due process.