Obuasi SHS sexual abuse probe 85% complete, evidence points to possible prosecution – Haruna Iddrisu

Investigations into allegations of sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School are 85% complete, with evidence gathered so far suggesting a possible prima facie case against the school's headteacher, Zakaria Abdulai, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has disclosed.

Mr Iddrisu said the committee established by the Ministry of Education to investigate the matter was nearing the end of its work, while the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) was separately handling the criminal aspects, including allegations of sexual assault involving some students.

Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, November 10, the minister recalled that he had earlier briefed a joint sitting of the House's Committees on Human Rights, Gender and Education on developments at the school.

He said the investigative committee, constituted on October 14, had completed approximately 85% of its work, with its findings pointing towards grounds for possible criminal prosecution.

“I’m happy to note and report that the Criminal Investigation Department of the Police Service is dealing with the criminal aspects of it, which has to do with sexual assault against some students at Obuasi Technical Senior High School.

“Mr Speaker, I’m happy to note that the committee we put together on October 14 is 85% complete with its investigation, and the weight of evidence suggests that a court would have considered the matter that a prima facie case is established for purposes of prosecution, which we expect to start shortly,” he explained.

The minister's disclosure indicates that the headteacher could face prosecution as the investigations progress towards completion.

While the Education Ministry's committee is conducting an administrative inquiry into the allegations, the police CID is pursuing the criminal investigation into the alleged sexual assaults.

Mr Abdulai was interdicted following allegations of sexual misconduct involving some female students, with police investigations into the matter still ongoing.