NPP group turns up heat on NDC, demands probe into Obuasi SHTS headmaster allegations

Pressure is mounting over allegations of misconduct involving the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High School (SHS), Zakaria Abdulai, as an identifiable group aligned with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region calls for an independent investigation into the matter.

The group, led by its Regional Coordinator, Kwabena Nsenkyire, has challenged the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to ensure that political considerations do not interfere with investigations into the allegations.

In a statement signed by Kwabena Nsenkyire, Regional Coordinator of the NPP Identifiable Group in the Ashanti Region, the group called for prompt police action where the evidence warrants it and urged the authorities to ensure that no influential individual is allowed to obstruct efforts to establish the facts.

It expressed concern over reports suggesting that some influential NDC figures could be seeking to shield the headmaster because of his alleged links to the party's regional or local executive structures.

The group warned that placing partisan loyalty above accountability could undermine public confidence in institutions responsible for protecting students and enforcing the law.

The statement follows an undercover investigation by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni of the Multimedia Group, which the group said had raised serious questions about the allegations against the headmaster, a reported attack on him by students and subsequent unrest at the school.

NPP group challenges NDC to allow investigation to proceed

The group has called on the NDC leadership in the Ashanti Region to publicly commit to ensuring that no party official interferes with the investigation or seeks preferential treatment for anyone involved.

It maintained that political affiliation should not shield anyone from scrutiny and that the allegations must be established through credible investigative procedures.

“No party executive, government appointee, or political heavyweight is above the law,” the statement declared.

It said if the allegations were substantiated, the appropriate legal and disciplinary consequences must follow, regardless of the position, influence or political connections of the person involved.

The group, however, stressed the importance of due process, saying the allegations must be determined through evidence rather than political accusations.

It also acknowledged that while concerns had been raised about possible political interference, its statement did not establish that a cover-up had occurred.

Manasseh Azure's investigation raises fresh questions

The investigative report by Manasseh Azure Awuni has become a major focus of the controversy, with the NPP-aligned group insisting that the issues raised must be thoroughly examined by the appropriate authorities.

It said the reported attack on the headmaster by students and the subsequent unrest at Obuasi SHS should also be investigated to establish the circumstances surrounding those incidents.

The group cautioned against allowing the controversy to degenerate into partisan exchanges at the expense of student welfare.

According to the statement, the priority should be to establish the facts, protect students and ensure that the relevant institutions discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour.

It further called for the preservation of relevant evidence and protection for witnesses who could be vulnerable to intimidation or retaliation.

NPP group calls for review of investigation committee

The group also questioned the impartiality of the preliminary investigation process and called for an independent review of the composition and conduct of the committee.

It referred to reports that the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) had directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Dr William Kwame Amankra, and the Obuasi East Director of Education, Mr Nketia, to step aside from their respective roles to facilitate the investigation.

While acknowledging the reported decision, the group said additional safeguards might be required to protect the credibility of the process.

It proposed that any committee member whose involvement presents an actual conflict of interest or a reasonable concern about impartiality should be considered for recusal following an independent review.

The group clarified that it was not demanding the automatic punishment of individuals who served on the preliminary committee. Rather, it wants an independent investigative team to examine the available evidence, review preliminary findings and make recommendations based on the facts.

Police urged to act where evidence warrants

The NPP group also called on the Ghana Police Service to conduct a prompt and thorough criminal investigation into the allegations.

It urged the police to take appropriate lawful action where the available evidence meets the relevant legal requirements, including prosecution where sufficient evidence exists.

The group said allegations involving possible sexual offences, abuse of authority or other criminal conduct must be treated with the seriousness they deserve.

It further called for measures to prevent the tampering of evidence, protect witnesses and safeguard students who may be affected by the investigation.

It also urged the authorities to provide appropriate support to affected students while protecting their privacy, dignity and welfare.

Student safety must come before party loyalty

The group said the controversy went beyond political rivalry and concerned the fundamental responsibility of educational institutions to provide safe environments for students.

It maintained that parents should be able to send their children to school without fear of abuse, exploitation, harassment or intimidation.

While citing the NPP's Free Senior High School policy as part of the party's commitment to expanding access to education, the group said increased educational opportunities must be accompanied by strong safeguards to protect students.

It insisted that neither political loyalty nor institutional reputation should take precedence over the welfare of students.

The group therefore challenged political leaders and education authorities to treat student protection as a national responsibility that transcends party affiliations.

Eight demands outlined

The group outlined eight demands, including an independent investigation into the allegations, a review of the preliminary investigation committee, prompt police action where justified, and protection for students and witnesses.

It also demanded a public commitment against political interference, preservation and independent examination of evidence, regular factual updates from the authorities, and appropriate disciplinary or criminal proceedings against anyone found to have committed wrongdoing or obstructed justice.

It said the demands were aimed at establishing the truth, protecting students and restoring public confidence in Ghana's educational institutions.

The group urged the GES, Ghana Police Service and other competent authorities to conduct their work professionally and independently.

It further challenged the NDC leadership in the Ashanti Region to demonstrate that accountability applied to everyone and to address concerns surrounding possible political interference.

According to the group, the credibility of the investigation would depend on whether the authorities could establish the facts without intimidation, manipulation or partisan influence.

It called for the matter to be handled transparently while respecting the rights of all individuals involved and protecting the privacy of students.

The group concluded its statement with an appeal for justice: “PROTECT OUR STUDENTS. DEFEND OUR SCHOOLS. STOP POLITICAL INTERFERENCE. LET JUSTICE PREVAIL.”

The allegations against the headmaster, as well as claims of possible political interference, remain unproven and are subject to investigation.