Obuasi SHTS scandal: Plan International Ghana demands independent probe, nationwide safeguarding reforms

Seven families of girls from Obuasi Senior High and Technical School are set to pursue legal action against their headmaster, amid reports of threats, intimidation and attempts to blackmail those seeking justice. The families and the victims met with officials from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection during a visit to Obuasi to support them and push for justice.

The affected families recounted their alleged experiences to the officials. However, the pursuit of justice is being hindered by threats against some families, discouraging others from openly participating in the case. The Gender Minister, Dr. Agnes Lartey, stated that her ministry is collaborating with National Security to identify and address individuals threatening or blackmailing the victims and their families.

Authorities are also taking measures to remove audio and video recordings on social media that reveal the identities of the girls, particularly those with their full names. "We are working with National Security to pull down those audios and videos, if possible, the ones that mention their full names so that the families will feel safe and protected," she explained.

The Minister noted that the process to remove the recordings has already begun, but declined to provide further details due to concerns that the threats are linked to the ongoing efforts to seek accountability. "I don’t want to give details because their threats are centred around that, and it is not just political. Threats are coming from families and other influential persons," she emphasized.

She added that efforts are underway to track those making threatening and blackmailing calls, with the goal of bringing them to justice. "We are finding a way to track those who are calling to blackmail and threaten them so that we bring them to book as offenders of the law," she said. The Minister revealed that more than seven people have expressed willingness to support the case, although fear of potential repercussions is causing some to remain anonymous.

One individual had privately indicated a willingness to support the legal process but was reluctant to appear publicly or formally report the matter due to threats from family members. "We are having more than seven people now. One of them felt it’s beyond him so he said he and the family can support from behind but because of the threats from family.

How the issue has escalated overwhelms some of them, so they want to support the case in running but not to show up to report," she explained. The disclosure underscores the obstacles encountered in securing justice for the alleged victims, as concerns over intimidation and exposure continue to influence families' decisions on whether to participate in the case.