Amnesty International Ghana has called for a prompt, independent and survivor-centred investigation into allegations of sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct involving female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (Obuasi SHS) and the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.
The human rights organisation has also urged the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and protection of affected students, witnesses and their families while investigations into the allegations continue.
In a statement signed by its Director, Hannah Osei, Amnesty International Ghana expressed deep concern over reports that multiple female students had allegedly suffered sexual abuse.
The organisation further noted reports that complaints about the alleged misconduct had been submitted to the school and education authorities months before the publication of an investigative report titled “Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow” by investigative journalist Manasseh Azuri Awuni.
It said any failure by responsible officials to act promptly on such complaints, if established, would constitute a serious breach of their duty to protect students from violence and abuse.
Amnesty International Ghana stressed that sexual violence is a criminal offence and must not be concealed, dismissed or settled through informal arrangements that undermine survivors’ protection and accountability.
It cited Ghana’s Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and the Ghana Education Service Code of Conduct for Teachers as legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to preventing and addressing sexual abuse involving teachers and students.
The organisation emphasised that all allegations must be handled sensitively, fairly and in accordance with due process, with the best interests of the affected students guiding decisions.
It acknowledged the Education Minister’s directive to suspend the headmaster and noted that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) had begun investigating the allegations.
However, it maintained that the ongoing investigation must be thorough, impartial and survivor-centred, ensuring that the safety, dignity and rights of the affected students remain paramount.
Calls for support and protection of students
Amnesty International Ghana urged the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Police Service and relevant health and social welfare authorities to provide affected students with access to medical care, psychosocial counselling, legal assistance and child protection services.
It also called for measures to prevent intimidation, victimisation and retaliation against students and witnesses, as well as the unauthorised disclosure of their identities, particularly those below 18 years.
The organisation further urged investigators to establish the facts surrounding the allegations, preserve relevant evidence and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable under Ghanaian law and due process.
Authorities urged to investigate possible institutional failures
Beyond the allegations against the headmaster, the organisation called on the GES and other oversight bodies to examine whether safeguarding failures, inadequate supervision, ineffective reporting mechanisms or the mishandling of complaints contributed to the situation.
It said appropriate corrective and disciplinary measures should be taken if institutional failures are identified.
Amnesty International Ghana also called for stronger safeguarding systems across schools, including confidential and accessible reporting channels, training for teachers and school administrators on identifying and responding to abuse, and increased awareness among students about where to seek assistance.
Reaffirming its solidarity with the affected students and their families, the organisation said the authorities must ensure justice, accountability and a safe learning environment for every child in Ghana.
The statement was signed by Hannah Osei, Director of Amnesty International Ghana.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
