The Ghana Education Service (GES) has interdicted the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, following allegations of sexual misconduct involving students that reportedly triggered student unrest and the temporary closure of the school.
On October 13, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu directed the GES Director-General to take steps to suspend Mr Abdulai pending investigations. The Minister also requested the Police Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters to commence investigations into the matter.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 14, the GES confirmed that the interdiction takes immediate effect and that the headmaster must make himself available to assist with the investigation.
The Service said the alleged incident reportedly resulted in damage to school property and disrupted academic activities.
“The alleged incident reportedly triggered a student rampage, resulting in the destruction of school property and other items, and the subsequent temporary closure of the school.”
As part of the measures taken, Mr Abdulai has been directed to hand over the management of the school to the Regional Director of Education.
The GES also confirmed that a complaint had been lodged with the police.
“Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has interdicted Mr Zakaria Abdulai, Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School in the Obuasi Municipality of the Ashanti Region, pending the outcome of a full-scale investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving students at the school.”
The Service further assured the public of its commitment to protecting students and staff.
The development follows unrest at Obuasi Senior High Technical School after allegations involving the headmaster reportedly emerged. The incident was followed by the destruction of school property and the temporary closure of the institution, according to the GES.
During the unrest, six students were reportedly arrested in connection with the attack and damage to school property. Three of the suspects were subsequently remanded by a court.
