Education Minister refers Obuasi SHTS headmaster sexual misconduct allegations to CID

MP for Salaga South, Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, has labeled Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) as a "big crime scene" in light of sexual abuse allegations targeting the school's headteacher. This assessment follows the increase in the number of students who have come forward with claims of sexual abuse, rising from 16 to 19 after JoyNews Investigative Journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni's documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster's Bungalow, was released.

The MP, speaking on JoyNews ‘The Pulse on October 19, expressed her concern that the school has become an unsafe place for students, particularly for mothers sending their daughters, stating, "The school is not a place where mothers want their daughters to go."

Madam Ibrahimah criticized the lack of decisive action by authorities and stakeholders in addressing the reports of abuse, claiming that their inaction has undermined efforts to secure justice for the affected girls. She questioned why the headteacher has not been arrested, emphasizing that his suspension by the Ghana Education Service represented the sole action taken. The MP expressed worry that the headteacher was able to return to his community while the legal process remained pending.

Furthermore, the MP criticized education officials and other authorities for receiving petitions from the girls, yet failing to take the necessary actions. However, she praised the students for their bravery in seeking justice, stating that they had submitted petitions to various authorities, including education directors and local government officials.

She expressed her celebration of their courage, saying, "I celebrate their courage and I celebrate them." The MP believes that the allegations should serve as a catalyst for a more critical examination of the school environment and the responsibility of authorities to protect children entrusted to their care.