By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Accra, Oct. 22, GNA – The Minority Women’s Caucus in Parliament has called for a thorough investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
At a press conference on Thursday, in Parliament House, for a selected media, the Caucus, led by Madam Patricia Appiagyei, the Deputy Minority Leader, said government and school authorities must account for how earlier complaints were handled.
Citing a JoyNews report, the Caucus said at least 19 girls had made allegations involving the headmaster, Mr Zakaria Abdulai.
Madam Appiagyei, also the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Asokwa, stated that the headmaster was entitled to a fair investigation and the presumption of innocence, while the students were entitled to protection and to have their complaints investigated.
While the Caucus acknowledged the headmaster’s interdiction and the announcement by the Minister for the Interior on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, that he had been arrested, the questions remained about when authorities first became aware of the complaints and what action was taken.
“According to the police, a complaint made on 4th August was investigated, and the docket was forwarded to the Attorney-General for advice,” she said.
The Caucus noted that despite reports involving multiple students, the public briefing on Tuesday, October 20, referred to only one investigated complaint and called on authorities to actively reach out to other complainants in a sensitive manner.
The Caucus also raised concerns about the handling of the matter by the ruling National Democratic Congress, pointing to alleged statements by its Deputy General Secretary on Monday, October 19, defending the decision to allow Mr Abdulai to contest the Juaben constituency chairmanship, followed by a directive on Tuesday, October 20, for him to step aside.
The Caucus demanded a full investigation of all allegations, prompt advice from the Attorney-General on the docket submitted, and prosecution where evidence warrants.
“Protection, counselling, medical care and legal assistance for the affected students, with confidentiality and protection from intimidation.
“An independent inquiry into the handling of earlier complaints, including any political interference,” she said.
Madam Appiagyei also called for a statement to Parliament by the responsible Ministers on the chronology of events and measures to protect students, including confidential reporting channels.
The Caucus commended the students who reported JoyNews and journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, and the Asante Youth Association for pursuing accountability.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNAÂ
[email protected]Â