Obuasi SHTS scandal: Manasseh concerned about political interference, attempts to suppress allegations

Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has expressed concern over alleged political interference in sexual abuse allegations at Obuasi Senior High Technical School. According to Awuni, certain political figures in the Ashanti Region attempted to settle complaints privately and pressure victims' families into withdrawing police cases.

He highlighted an incident where the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Obuasi East, known as Biggie, allegedly contacted a housemistress and arranged for a student to leave the school for a meeting with political figures. Awuni questioned why the school authorities allowed the student to be taken away at night instead of reporting the allegations to the police.

He also alleged that the MCE justified his intervention on political grounds, pointing out that the headmaster was a party member. Awuni further criticized the school and local Ghana Education Service officials for failing to notify the police when they received information about a separate rape allegation. He claimed that despite evidence being collected, the school authorities did not report the matter to the authorities.

The journalist also revealed that the father of one alleged victim faced difficulties in obtaining permission to withdraw his daughter from school, compared to the ease with which a politician allegedly arranged for another student to leave late at night. Awuni further alleged that reports of sexual abuse had reached local authorities as early as 2025, but action was not taken.

He also disclosed that a delegation supposedly representing the headmaster visited the father's village to apologize and persuade him to withdraw the police complaint, promising to finance the girl's university education if the complaint was withdrawn. Despite the alleged pressure, the father remained determined to pursue the matter through the police.