Parliament’s Committee on Gender, Children and Social Welfare has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), warning that anyone found responsible must face the law.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 23, the committee said it was deeply disturbed by the allegations brought to public attention through investigative documentary Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
The committee urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to establish the facts, examine how previous complaints were handled and determine whether any individuals failed to fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities.
It said accountability should extend beyond anyone directly implicated in the alleged abuse to include those found to have concealed complaints or neglected their duty to protect students.
The committee acknowledged the suspension of the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, pending investigations, as well as the referral of the matter to the police. It said these steps must be followed by a rigorous process capable of establishing the facts and ensuring accountability.
However, it stressed that the allegations must not be treated as proof of guilt, noting that every accused person is entitled to due process and is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
Beyond the Obuasi case, the committee called for a comprehensive review of safeguarding and complaints-handling systems in schools, including accessible and confidential reporting channels, prompt referrals and independent investigations.
It also urged authorities to ensure affected students receive confidential counselling, appropriate medical care and other necessary support.