'Irresponsible media coverage is hurting Obuasi SHTS abuse probe' – Gender Minister

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has criticised aspects of media coverage of the alleged sexual abuse case at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS).

She said the exposure of alleged victims’ identities and repeated requests for interviews were making it difficult for some students to continue engaging with authorities.

The Minister made the remarks on Monday, October 26, after visiting some of the alleged victims as part of efforts to address their concerns and assess their welfare.

“What we've gathered after engaging the victims is that the media has not helped the case. I will appeal to you very passionately. Two or three of the students have had to withdraw because they had their names being mentioned fully,” she said.

Dr Naa Momo Lartey explained that even when students’ faces are concealed during media interviews, some are still identifiable to friends and family members through their voices.

She cautioned that exposing the identities of the alleged victims could undermine efforts to secure their cooperation and ensure justice, urging journalists to exercise restraint and prioritise the students’ privacy and well-being.

“The victims have also been overwhelmed with questions, they've had media persons harassing them for interviews, and this is not the time you ask a victim to come for interview,” she added.

The case centres on allegations of sexual misconduct involving the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, and female students.

The allegations gained national attention following an investigative report by JoyNews journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, titled 'Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow', which reported allegations involving 19 female students.