NUGS demands investigation into Obuasi SHTS headmaster

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) and Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) are demanding a comprehensive investigation into the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, following allegations of sexual abuse against at least 16 female students. The student advocacy groups and education experts have expressed grave concern over the safety of students and the apparent failure of administrative systems to protect them. The calls come amid reports that the headmaster’s suspension by the Ghana Education Service (GES) was delayed for several months despite authorities being aware of the complaints. NUGS President Rashid Ibrahim has insisted that if the allegations are confirmed, the headmaster must face full criminal prosecution to serve as a deterrent. Simultaneously, Eduwatch is pushing for a probe into the conduct of GES officials who handled the initial reports. The organisation highlighted that safeguarding procedures were not strictly followed, allowing the alleged abuse to persist even after formal complaints were made. Former Education Ministry Public Relations Officer Kwasi Kwarteng further questioned the delay, pointing to an investigation by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni which revealed that the ministry had knowledge of the allegations long before taking action. The handling of the case has also drawn criticism from Dr. Kojo Asante, Director of Policy Engagement and Partnerships at CDD-Ghana, who called for the formation of a special taskforce to review protocols for managing sexual abuse allegations in schools. Dr. Asante argued that the current systems are inadequate and called for immediate police involvement in cases of this nature. He emphasized the need for a national audit of sexual misconduct in secondary schools and the establishment of safer reporting mechanisms to ensure that students can come forward without fear of victimization or institutional neglect.