... 19 Girls Abused, Headmaster Suspended, DOVVSU Investigates; Ministry Unveils Safeguarding Reforms, Hotline With MTN
The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has assured that the alleged sexual abuse of nineteen schoolgirls by the suspended Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) will not be swept under the carpet.
Addressing a press conference on measures arising from the scandal, the Minister said government will deploy all administrative and legal tools to safeguard students, describing protection of learners as its most important priority.
"The last few days, thanks to Manasseh Azure Awuni's exposé, we have witnessed the scandalization of the nation's conscience. The alleged sexual abuse of nineteen schoolgirls by the now suspended Headmaster of Obuasi SHTS won't or can't just be swept under the carpet," he stated.
He noted that amidst calls for full-scale investigations into similar malpractices in other institutions, this case will not suffer the fate of burning issues that are discussed with gusto then die out.
"This scandal won't suffer the same fate as other burning issues which are discussed with gusto in the media over a period then go out with a whimper," the Minister emphasized.
Hon. Iddrisu said the outrageous abuse offers a golden opportunity for policymakers and regulators to address the issue holistically, revealing that institutional records show similar malpractices as far back as 2021.
"Indeed, this is not the first time this disgusting occurrence has taken place," he said.
He outlined that addressing the scandal requires immediate legal accountability, systemic institutional reforms, and trauma-informed support for affected students.
CID, DOVVSU Lead Investigations
The Minister assured that law enforcement is taking its course without political interference.
"I'm assured by my colleague Minister of Interior that the Ghana Police Service's Criminal Investigation Department and the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) are leading independent, transparent criminal investigations into allegations of rape and sexual assault against former headmaster Mr. Zakaria Abdulai," he disclosed.
"We give assurance of prosecution without political or governmental interference. We take note of civil society groups, such as the Network for Women's Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT), urging us to ensure that political affiliations or party positions do not shield the accused from prosecution," he added.
Outlining immediate institutional actions, Hon. Iddrisu said the interdiction and suspension of Mr. Abdulai by the Ministry and Ghana Education Service (GES) will remain to protect investigations and prevent abuse of authority.
He said the 19 affected students and any other potential victims are being given immediate psychological counselling, medical care and academic continuity support.
Safeguards will also be established for whistleblowers, including students, staff and journalists.
"Protection for whistleblowers will be established for students, staff, or journalists such as Manasseh Azure Awuni, who exposed the issue in his 'Inside the Dreaded Headmaster's Bungalow' investigative documentary, to report misconduct safely without fear of intimidation," he said.
The Minister announced systemic reforms under consideration for all Senior High Schools:
- Independent Safeguarding Offices: Schools to establish confidential reporting channels that bypass headmasters' offices, linking directly to independent bodies, DOVVSU and GES. MTN Ghana is preparing to work with the Ministry and GES to establish a hotline.
- Mandatory Reporting and Oversight: GES and the Girls' Education Unit to enforce strict mandatory reporting protocols where any suspected power-based or teacher-student relationship triggers immediate suspension and independent review.
- Policy and Legal Strengthening: Parliament and educational stakeholders to close gaps in supervision of authority figures, holding school leadership directly accountable for failing to detect or report predatory behaviour.
Hon. Iddrisu disclosed that Vice President, Her Excellency Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, as Mother of the Nation, has expressed serious reservations about the matter.
"Owing to the gravity of the situation and reports of it occurring in other parts, I wish to give assurance to parents and the Ghanaian public that our children are safe in our educational institutions," he said.
He cautioned the public not to stereotype all schools based on the Obuasi incident and not to approach the issue emotionally.
"Let's stay calm. I can give assurance as Minister for Education that we'll audit school regulations and monitor the conduct and behaviours of Headteachers, Teachers and Students and also take feedback from all focal persons," he assured.
"We'll move a step further to have discussions with parents and students to identify implementation gaps and bridge those gaps with no room for recurrence. With a concerted, level-headed and firm approach, we'll tackle this unfortunate matter to safeguard the education and well-being of our future mothers and leaders," Hon. Iddrisu concluded.
