Obuasi SHTS sexual abuse scandal exposes systemic failure in child protection – Moving Masculinity

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has proposed that the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Abdulai Zakaria, and other implicated staff be reassigned to different institutions following a violent campus disturbance. The disturbance occurred on August 5, 2026, where some students attacked the headmaster and vandalized his bungalow property.

Deputy Director-General of GES for Quality and Access, Dr. Issahaque Munawaru, revealed the recommendation in an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show. However, the information came to light through a JoyNews documentary exposing sexual abuse allegations against Zakaria, leading to his suspension by the Ministry of Education pending a full investigation.

The committee's report includes about 27 or 28 recommendations aimed at restoring calm and improving security at the school. Recommendation 23 specifically suggested that the headmaster and other implicated staff be reassigned to other institutions in the interest of the service due to the circumstances surrounding the disturbance and security concerns.

The report recommended dissolving informal student groupings and strengthening reporting channels for sexual harassment, with designated staff trained to handle complaints confidentially and promptly. Zakaria was suspended by the Ministry of Education following allegations of sexual abuse against female students, which were brought to public attention through a documentary featuring alleged victims recounting their experiences.

Dr. Munawaru stated that once culpability is established, dismissal will be the consequence, emphasizing that dismissal is an outright end to an officer's service. The GES Council approved about 15 dismissals in October 2026 in sexual harassment cases dating back to 2021.