Obuasi SHTS sexual abuse: Big insult to victims and Ghanaians if headmaster claims GES exonerated him

Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has criticized the Ashanti Regional office of the Ghana Education Service (GES) for allegedly exonerating Obuasi Senior High Technical School headmaster Zakaria Abdulai in a sexual abuse case. Awuni questioned the region's capacity to handle such allegations, stating that it is a criminal matter that should be investigated by the police.

He expressed deep concern over the claim that the GES had cleared Abdulai, particularly in light of previous complaints to school authorities. Awuni pointed out that the committee examining the matter was chaired by the Obuasi East Director of Education, raising doubts about the process and its ability to address criminal allegations.

He also highlighted concerns from locals about the response of both the school management and regional education authorities to the incidents. Awuni further emphasized that the alleged incidents, including rape, sexual harassment, and assault, should be handled through the criminal justice system, not by the GES. He stressed that the individuals on the committee were not equipped to investigate rape and challenged the claim of exonerating Abdulai.

The allegations are currently under investigation by a GES administrative inquiry and a separate police criminal investigation, with the ultimate goal of protecting students from intimidation and ensuring their complaints are addressed fairly and independently.