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Obuasi SHTS headmaster cleared by NDC to contest chairmanship amid abuse probe
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reversed its decision to bar Zakaria Abdulai, the suspended headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), from contesting the party’s constituency chairmanship. Despite ongoing investigations into allegations of sexual abuse involving approximately 19 female students, the NDC stated that Abdulai may file his nomination while the legal and institutional processes continue.
The allegations were brought to light by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni in the documentary ‘Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow’. While an investigative committee found no direct evidence to support claims that the headmaster personally buried a foetus on school grounds, the broader investigation into sexual misconduct remains active. The Ghana Education Service (GES) has also identified internal school issues, including teacher factions and student gangs, as contributing factors to previous unrest at the institution.
In response to the scandal, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is collaborating with the GES to strengthen child protection measures and safeguarding policies in schools nationwide. Human rights organizations and political figures have called for impartial investigations and expressed concern that clearing the accused could undermine public trust in the justice system and child welfare protections.
Entities
Amnesty International Ghana · Ghana Education Service · Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang · Manasseh Azure Awuni · Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection · National Democratic Congress · Obuasi Senior High Technical School · Obuasi Senior High Technical School · Yaw Opoku Mensah · Yaw Osei Adutwum · Zakaria Abdulai
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The investigation initially involved five students before the number of reported cases increased.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Child protection specialist Hilda Mensah stated that the investigation should include Ghana Education Service officers who may have known of the allegations. thevaultznews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Minister for Education directed the suspension of the headmaster. onuaonline.com · oyerepafmonline.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The number of students alleging sexual abuse by the suspended headmaster of Obuasi SHTS has risen to 19. angelonline.com.gh
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Criminal Investigations Department is conducting an ongoing probe into the allegations. onuaonline.com · oyerepafmonline.com · angelonline.com.gh · starrfm.com.gh
- [● 2 SOURCES] The headteacher has reportedly been able to return to his community despite the ongoing legal process. onuaonline.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Complaints regarding the alleged abuse were reportedly submitted to school and education authorities months before the investigative report was published. angelonline.com.gh
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Prior complaints, teacher concerns, and petitions regarding the abuse had reportedly reached relevant authorities. 3news.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is working with the Ghana Education Service to strengthen child protection measures in schools. starrfm.com.gh
- [● 2 SOURCES] Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu directed the Ghana Education Service to suspend the headmaster on October 14. onuaonline.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The number of students alleging sexual abuse by the suspended headmaster has risen to 19. angelonline.com.gh
- [● 7 SOURCES] Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni released a documentary titled ‘Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow’ regarding the allegations. chale.news · starrfm.com.gh · onuaonline.com · oyerepafmonline.com · angelonline.com.gh · +1 more