Amnesty Int’l condemns alleged Obuasi SHTS sexual abuse, demands independent probe

Amnesty International Ghana has called for an independent investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) and its headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.

This follows reports of alleged sexual misconduct and claims that complaints were submitted to school management and education authorities months before the matter became public, according to an investigative report by JoyNews journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni titled ‘Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow’.

In a statement on Monday, October 19, 2026, the human rights organisation urged authorities to establish the facts, protect affected students and ensure accountability for anyone found responsible.

“Sexual violence is a criminal offence and as such should not be dismissed, concealed, or resolved through informal arrangements that deny survivors protection and accountability,” the statement said.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has directed the headmaster’s suspension, while the Ghana Education Service (GES) has interdicted him pending investigations. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is also probing the allegations.

Amnesty International Ghana said the investigation must be thorough, impartial and survivor-centred, adding that authorities must examine how earlier complaints were handled.

“The relevant authorities must establish the facts surrounding the allegations at Obuasi SHS, preserve relevant evidence, and ensure that any person found responsible is held accountable in accordance with Ghanaian law and due process. No individual or institution should be above accountability,” the statement said.

The organisation also called for medical care, psychosocial counselling and legal assistance for affected students, alongside measures to protect them from intimidation and safeguard their identities.

It urged authorities to strengthen school safeguarding policies and reporting channels to prevent sexual abuse and ensure students can learn in a safe environment.