Kwabena Owusu Nketia reveals findings in Obuasi SHTS sexual misconduct probe

Kwabena Owusu Nketia, the Obuasi East Education Director, has presented the findings of a three-week investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against Abdullai Zakari, the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High and Technical School (SHTS). The report was shared during a gathering at the Adansihene’s palace on October 16, 2026. The inquiry included testimony from 49 participants, including teaching and non-teaching staff as well as students, following allegations involving 16 female students at the institution.

The revelation of the findings has intensified calls for accountability from civil society organizations. The Zonta Clubs of Ghana have urged the Ministry of Education to ensure that any teacher or headteacher found guilty faces immediate dismissal and prosecution. The group described the alleged abuse as a betrayal of trust and emphasized that survivors must be supported and protected from being silenced. They further demanded that any authorities found to be concealing such misconduct be held legally responsible for their actions.

Education think tank Eduwatch has leveraged the development to call for a comprehensive, independent nationwide audit of safeguarding systems in secondary schools. According to Eduwatch, there have been 44 documented cases of alleged sexual abuse by teachers and school heads across Ghana between 2015 and 2026, many of which have concluded without public verdicts. The organization argues that a transparent audit is necessary to identify systemic failures and implement reforms that prioritize student safety over institutional reputation.

Contributing to the policy discussion, Akosua Manu, an adviser on Gender and Social Protection to former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, advocated for the establishment of a national child protection framework. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, she highlighted that current mechanisms are insufficient for protecting children when the accused is an authority figure. Manu proposed the creation of confidential reporting channels to allow students to report abuse without fear of retribution, ensuring that the safety and well-being of victims remain the primary focus of the educational system.