The Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights has called for urgent investigations following reports that 19 female students have come forward in connection with sexual abuse allegations against the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai.
The committee is also demanding investigations into the conduct of school officials who may have received earlier complaints but failed to take appropriate action.
In a statement signed by its Chairman and Member of Parliament for Kumawu, Ernest Yaw Anim, the committee expressed grave concern over the allegations and urged the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Attorney-General to expedite investigations and any necessary prosecution.
The committee said allegations involving other students must also be examined to determine whether there are grounds for further criminal proceedings.
“Where the available evidence establishes grounds for prosecution, the necessary action must be taken promptly and in accordance with the law, while respecting due process,” the statement said.
Probe Officials Who Ignored Complaints
The committee called for a swift and impartial investigation into officials who may have received earlier complaints against the headmaster but failed to act.
It insisted that any official found to have neglected their responsibilities should face appropriate sanctions.
“Any failure of duty established through due process must attract the appropriate accountability measures,” the committee stated.
However, the statement did not identify any officials suspected of ignoring complaints or establish that earlier allegations had been deliberately concealed.
Support for Affected Students
The committee also urged the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to provide psychological counselling and psychosocial support to affected students.
It stressed the need to protect them from intimidation, stigma and retaliation while safeguarding their privacy, dignity and educational welfare.
Additionally, the committee called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to strengthen confidential reporting mechanisms in schools to enable students to report sexual abuse without fear.
Police Investigation
The committee’s intervention follows investigations by the Ghana Police Service into allegations that Mr Abdulai raped a 20-year-old Form Two student at his official bungalow on July 25, 2026.
According to an earlier police statement, the student, accompanied by her father, lodged a complaint with the Obuasi Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) on August 4, 2026.
The police subsequently conducted investigations, including a medical examination, reconstruction of the alleged crime scene and collection of witness statements, before forwarding the docket to the Attorney-General’s Office for advice.
The committee also referred to reports of the headmaster’s arrest, although it did not provide details of his custody status.
Meanwhile, Mr Abdulai has resigned as the NDC Juaben Constituency Secretary and withdrawn from the party’s chairmanship contest.
He has expressed his determination to pursue lawful avenues to clear his name.
The Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights says it will continue monitoring the case to ensure accountability and stronger safeguards against sexual abuse in schools.
The allegations against Mr Abdulai have not been determined by a court.
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