Activists campaigning for justice for female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) have declared Wednesday, October 21, “Red Wednesday.”
They have called on Ghanaians to wear red as a sign of solidarity with the girls at the centre of sexual abuse allegations against the school’s interdicted headmaster.
The online campaign, tagged “Wear Red on Wednesday—Justice for Obuasi SHTS Girls,” aims to sustain public focus on the allegations and demand accountability from the authorities responsible for safeguarding students.
It follows growing public concern over claims that several female students have accused the headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, of sexual misconduct.
The matter gained national attention after reports by Joy News investigative correspondent Manasseh Azure Awuni, triggering calls for a thorough probe and adequate protection and support for any students who may have been abused.
The campaign coincides with significant developments in the case. Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka revealed on Tuesday that Mr Abdulai had been arrested in connection with the allegations and was going through due process.
The minister said the investigation had been moved to Police Headquarters in Accra, with officers pursuing the necessary steps for DNA testing.
Police have also confirmed that a case docket relating to a rape complaint filed by one student on August 4 has been forwarded to the Attorney-General for advice.
They clarified that the docket covers that specific complaint, while other reported allegations would require further investigation.
Mr Abdulai was earlier interdicted on the directive of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, who also referred the matter to the Criminal Investigations Department.
The “Red Wednesday” initiative offers the public a visible means of supporting the girls and pressing for a credible investigation. It also comes against the backdrop of wider questions about whether earlier concerns raised before the issue became public were properly handled by school and education authorities.
The Aya Institute for Women, Politics and Media has backed peaceful public solidarity, including the Red Wednesday campaign, while urging stronger safeguards, institutional accountability and improved protection for survivors.
Campaigners say their demand goes beyond the individual case to the broader need to protect students in schools and ensure that complaints of sexual abuse are treated with seriousness.
Authorities have been urged to establish the facts, safeguard the identities and welfare of alleged victims, and ensure that anyone found to have committed or enabled wrongdoing is held accountable under the law.
As Ghanaians are encouraged to wear red, the campaign keeps the experiences and safety of the alleged victims at the heart of public attention while investigations continue.
Source: Adomonline
