GBA Women’s Forum calls for impartial probe into alleged sexual abuse at Obuasi SHTS
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) Women’s Forum has called for a comprehensive, impartial and speedy investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving 19 female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS).
The call follows allegations of sexual abuse against the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, the Forum expressed concern over the reported incidents, describing them as potential violations of the law and a betrayal of the trust placed in individuals responsible for the care and education of young people.
“The allegations, if proven, represent a grave violation of the law, a profound breach of trust, and an unacceptable abuse of authority by individuals entrusted with the care, education, and protection of young people,” the statement said.
The Forum commended the students, their families and others who had come forward to report the alleged abuse, emphasising that survivors must be treated with dignity, compassion and respect throughout the investigative and judicial processes.
It also praised teachers at the school who had supported the students and acknowledged the media’s role in bringing the allegations to light, particularly amid concerns about the apparent lack of action by relevant authorities before the reports emerged.
The GBA Women’s Forum urged the Police to investigate the allegations promptly and ensure that anyone found responsible was held accountable under the law.
“We also urge the Police to investigate the cases expeditiously and not to shield anyone. Prosecution should be expeditiously done as well,” it stated.
The Forum further called on educational institutions to strengthen student protection systems, reporting channels and accountability measures to prevent abuse.
It stressed that schools must provide safe environments where students can learn and develop without fear of exploitation, harm or abuse.
The statement also revealed that some members of the Forum had been contacted by concerned individuals from the school and were assisting the young women in their quest for justice.
“We shall continue monitoring to ensure that the young women get justice. We will also join the advocacy to ensure that adequate policies are put in place by relevant authorities to protect girls and young persons from sexual abuse in schools and other institutions of learning,” the statement added.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children’s rights and preventing sexual violence and exploitation, stressing that children’s safety and welfare must remain a priority.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has assured the public that it will not protect Mr Abdulai if investigations establish his culpability in the allegations involving the 19 female students.
The party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, said the NDC was committed to establishing the truth and would not interfere with investigations into the allegations against Mr Abdulai, who served as the party’s Juaben Constituency Secretary before stepping down. He had also been seeking to contest for the constituency chairmanship.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, October 22, Mr Kwetey said the party would accept the outcome of the investigations and ensure that no individual received protection because of their political affiliation.
The NDC’s position follows controversy surrounding Mr Abdulai’s bid for the Juaben constituency chairmanship. The party initially cleared him to contest after reversing an earlier directive for him to step aside. However, it changed its position again after reviewing the full details of an investigative report by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
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