Authorities knew of abuse allegations against Obuasi headmaster months before suspension – JoyNews investigation

JoyNews' investigation by Manasseh Azure Awuni has uncovered that authorities were aware of sexual abuse allegations against Obuasi Senior High Technical School headmaster Zakaria Abdulai months before Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu ordered his suspension. The documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, documents the allegations of sexual abuse involving female students.

Complaints and petitions about alleged sexual harassment and assault had reached municipal authorities, education officials, and influential figures, yet Abdulai continued to hold his position until JoyNews started investigating. Obuasi's Municipal Chief Executive, Faustilove Appiah Kannin, revealed she received a report about the abuse shortly after taking office.

She explained that a former sports master informed her that Abdulai had slept with a student, and she had to involve the parent. Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi, known as Zuba, disclosed that he intervened upon hearing allegations of sexual abuse involving Abdulai during a visit to Obuasi. The mayor, a native of the town, said he was informed of the allegations while tensions at the school threatened to spark a riot by students.