Parliament urges CID to fast-track Obuasi SHTS sexual misconduct probe

Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights has formally requested the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Attorney-General’s Department to accelerate investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct at the Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS). The case involves Zakaria Abdulai, the school’s headmaster, who is accused of misconduct involving at least 19 female students. The committee's intervention underscores the urgency of addressing the allegations to ensure that justice is served and that the fundamental rights of the affected students are protected.

The committee emphasized the necessity for immediate and thorough legal action if the investigations yield sufficient evidence against the headmaster. Beyond the criminal proceedings, members highlighted the critical need for psychological support and specialized counseling for the 19 girls identified in the reports. By involving both the CID and the Attorney-General, the committee aims to prevent procedural delays that might compromise the safety and well-being of the students or the integrity of the evidence.

In addition to the specific case at Obuasi SHTS, the committee called for the implementation of enhanced safety measures and more robust reporting mechanisms for sexual abuse within educational institutions across the country. This move is intended to create a more secure environment for students and to uphold their fundamental rights. The committee has pledged to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that the legal process reaches a definitive and transparent conclusion while providing the necessary oversight for student welfare.