Obuasi SHTS abuse allegations: Education Ministry knew nothing until exposé – Dr. Apaak

The Ministry of Education in Ghana stated they were unaware of alleged sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) until an investigative documentary by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni came to their attention. Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak revealed this during an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem. Dr. Apaak claimed the Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu was shown parts of the documentary before broadcast, leading to the immediate suspension of headmaster Zakaria Abdulai.

Dr. Apaak also noted that reports of the abuse had been previously submitted to regional education directors, but the ministry in Accra was not informed.

The Ministry is now conducting its own administrative investigation into the matter. Dr. Apaak confirmed that the Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister is working to locate the alleged victims, the 19 female students, to provide necessary assistance. He emphasized that no individual is exempt from the law, regardless of their status. Dr. Apaak reiterated that Mr. Abdulai is being accused of sexually abusing these girls, with the number of victims reported at 19.

The Headmaster has been accused of this serious alleged abuse. Calls for an independent investigation and improved handling of abuse cases within schools have been amplified as a result of these allegations. The Ghana Education Service has taken immediate action, interdicting Mr. Abdulai and prohibiting him from managing the school until the situation is resolved and appropriate decisions are made.