Clement Apaak attributes Obuasi SHTS headmaster assault to buried fetus

Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak has clarified that the violent unrest involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) was sparked by the discovery of a buried fetus on the school’s grounds. Speaking on JoyNews’ News Night, the Deputy Minister sought to correct public misconceptions by distinguishing the physical assault on the headmaster from a separate, ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct at the institution.

The incident involving the student body occurred after the disturbing discovery was made on the school premises, leading to an immediate and violent reaction against the headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai. Dr. Apaak emphasized that while the students' actions were a direct response to the fetus burial, this specific disturbance was not the result of the sexual abuse scandal that has since dominated headlines following an investigative documentary. He noted that the two matters, while both concerning, involve different timelines and sets of circumstances.

In response to the series of events, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially suspended Zakaria Abdulai from his post. The suspension is intended to facilitate a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into his conduct and the events that led to the campus disturbances. Furthermore, Dr. Apaak revealed that the case has been referred to the Attorney-General’s Office for a legal review to determine whether criminal charges or other legal proceedings should be initiated against the headmaster or other involved parties.

The Ministry of Education is currently working closely with the GES and law enforcement agencies to ensure that all allegations are thoroughly vetted. Dr. Apaak reiterated the government's stance on maintaining discipline and safety within educational institutions, promising that the findings of the various investigations will be made public once concluded. The clarification serves as a step toward addressing the unrest while the legal and administrative processes move forward.