By Kodjo Adams
Accra, Oct. 27, GNA – Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, has announced that 19 students identified in connection with the sexual abuse allegations at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) would receive support to protect their welfare and ensure the continuity of their education.
The support would include psychological counselling, medical care and academic assistance to ensure that the students’ education was not disrupted by the incident.
The Minister announced this at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, during which he addressed issues relating to the allegations of sexual abuse at the school.
He said the Government would pursue legal accountability, strengthen student protection and review existing school regulations to prevent similar incidents in educational institutions across the country.
Mr Iddrisu said the allegations, which came to public attention following an investigative documentary by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, would not be allowed to fade from public discourse without appropriate action.
The documentary, titled “Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow,” reportedly exposed alleged sexual abuse involving the school’s now-suspended headmaster, Mr Zakaria Abdulai.
The Minister said institutional records indicated that similar malpractices had been recorded as far back as 2021, underscoring the need for a comprehensive review of safeguarding mechanisms in schools.
“We would work to safeguard and ensure the protection of all students as a statutory duty. We intend to deploy all administrative and legal tools to achieve this,” he said.
Mr Iddrisu called on parents, guardians and students to support the Government’s efforts to ensure safe learning environments for all children.
He said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) were conducting independent investigations into the allegations of rape and sexual assault against the interdicted headmaster.
The Government would ensure that the due process was followed and that the investigations and any subsequent prosecution proceeded without political or governmental interference, he said.
The Minister acknowledged concerns raised by civil society organisations, including the Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT), about the need to ensure that political affiliations or positions did not shield anyone from prosecution.
He said the headmaster’s interdiction, following directives from the Ministry and the Ghana Education Service (GES), would remain in force to protect the integrity of the investigations and prevent any potential abuse of authority.
Mr Iddrisu also pledged to establish safeguards to enable students, teachers, school staff and journalists to report misconduct without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
He assured parents and the public that the Government remained committed to protecting children in educational institutions.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Kodjo Adams
Email: [email protected]