Obuasi SHTS abuse: PTA association calls for action against alleged perpetrators

Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director of the ARK Foundation, has voiced concern over repeated allegations of sexual abuse in Ghanaian secondary schools, stating that the failure to address such cases reveals deep-rooted weaknesses in the country's child protection systems. During a discussion on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Ms Dwamena-Aboagye called for a thorough investigation into the sexual assault allegations involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), emphasizing the need to identify and hold accountable those who may have contributed to concealing the abuse.

She questioned how such incidents continued despite previous reports and investigations, stating that the persistence of these cases should prompt serious inquiries into the effectiveness of existing child protection mechanisms. Ms Dwamena-Aboagye noted that the allegations were not isolated, citing earlier media investigations into abuse in other secondary schools involving female students.

She highlighted the societal issue of overlooking the experiences of children, particularly girls who report sexual abuse, describing it as a societal invisibility and a failure of the justice system to listen to their concerns. Despite legal principles of presumption of innocence, she urged authorities to address the allegations with the seriousness they deserve.

The ARK Foundation executive director stressed the importance of accountability, urging the identification and sanctioning of all individuals who may have enabled or concealed the abuse. She emphasized the need for the Department of Social Welfare to identify victims, provide psychosocial support, and ensure that parents receive necessary assistance.

Dwamena-Aboagye also questioned the application of Ghana's laws on criminal offences, domestic violence, and child protection, calling for a comprehensive examination of possible legal breaches. She cautioned against politicizing the allegations and urged the public to focus on the urgent need to protect children.