Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights has called for expedited investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct against the interdicted headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, following reports that 19 girls have come forward in connection with the case.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 21, the Committee urged the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Attorney-General to speed up investigations and any subsequent prosecution, including inquiries into allegations involving other students.
It stressed that where the available evidence establishes grounds for prosecution, the necessary legal action must be taken without delay, while respecting due process.
The Committee also called on the Ministries of Education and Gender, Children and Social Protection to ensure that the affected students receive psychological counselling and psychosocial support.
It further urged the authorities to protect the students from intimidation, stigma and retaliation, emphasising that their privacy, dignity and educational welfare must remain a priority throughout the investigations.
On preventive measures, the Committee called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to strengthen confidential reporting systems in schools to enable students to report sexual abuse and misconduct without fear.
It also demanded a prompt and impartial investigation into the conduct of any officials who may have received earlier complaints about the alleged misconduct but failed to take appropriate action.
According to the Committee, any failure of duty established through due process must attract the appropriate accountability measures.
“The safety of students is a fundamental human rights obligation. Schools must be safe environments where children are protected, respected and able to pursue their education without fear,” the statement said.
The Committee added that it would continue to monitor developments in the case and advocate for effective safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Source: Adomonline
