Obuasi SHTS sexual abuse probe 85% complete; evidence points to prosecution – Education Minister

The investigation into sexual abuse allegations at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) is now 85% complete, with evidence pointing towards a prima facie case for prosecution, according to Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service is handling the criminal aspects of the case, while a government-established committee is nearing completion of its investigations.

Mr. Iddrisu disclosed this during a briefing at Parliament on Tuesday, November 10, after addressing the joint committees on Human Rights, Gender, and Education. He stated that the committee established on October 14 has made significant progress and that the gathered evidence could support prosecution, expecting to commence shortly.

The allegations pertain to sexual assault against female students, involving the school's headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai. The controversy intensified following a JoyNews investigation, which alleged sexual harassment, assault, and rape by the headmaster. Despite previous complaints being made to school management and education officials, these were not adequately addressed.

The Ghana Education Service subsequently interdicted Mr. Abdulai on October 14, while the Minister referred the criminal allegations to the police. The case has also prompted scrutiny over the handling of earlier complaints, with a separate inquiry reporting that initial allegations were not substantiated. However, the ongoing investigations are distinct from that inquiry. The police have also investigated a separate rape complaint filed by a student on August 4, 2026.