Soroptimist International Ghana, a volunteer movement has condemned allegations of rape and sexual assault reported in an investigative documentary concerning the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), calling for justice for the students and reforms to strengthen child protection in schools.
In a press statement dated October 28, 2026, the organisation said it had watched with profound distress the documentary, “Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow,” by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
The documentary reportedly details allegations against the school’s headmaster, Mr. Zakaria Abdulai, including claims that female students were lured to his bungalow, sexually abused and threatened into silence.
It also raises concerns that earlier reports by students and the Girl Child Coordinator were not acted upon.
Soroptimist International Ghana, however, stressed that Mr. Abdulai had not been found guilty and remained entitled to the presumption of innocence while the allegations were under investigation by the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU).
The organisation said all children, regardless of gender, had the right to safety in school and expressed solidarity with the students of Obuasi SHTS.
It called for affected students to receive immediate psychosocial support, legal assistance and protection against retaliation, while ensuring strict confidentiality.
The organisation also urged the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, swift and victim-sensitive investigation into the allegations.
It welcomed the reported interdiction of the headmaster by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the referral of the matter to the CID by the Minister of Education.
Soroptimist International Ghana called on DOVVSU, the CID, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Legal Aid Commission to ensure that the case was handled appropriately and that prosecution followed if supported by the evidence.
Beyond the specific case, the organisation described the alleged failure to act on earlier complaints as a systemic concern requiring reforms in the management of sexual misconduct in schools.
Joining NETRIGHT and other women’s rights organisations, it urged the Ministry of Education and the GES to strengthen safeguards for learners.
Its proposals include prosecuting adults who engage in sexual activity with learners and permanently barring those found culpable from GES employment and teaching appointments.
The organisation also called for an end to the practice of transferring teachers accused of sexual misconduct, a prohibition on using students as domestic help in staff homes, and the publication of data on sexual misconduct in schools and the actions taken in response.
It further proposed that every school should have a trained, dedicated child protection and safeguarding officer to receive complaints confidentially, respond promptly and connect affected learners to support services.
Soroptimist International Ghana said violations of children’s safety in schools could have lasting consequences for their futures and warned against a culture of silence and impunity, particularly where vulnerable children face powerful individuals.
The organisation appealed to the media and the public to treat alleged victims with sensitivity and refrain from revealing their identities.
It pledged to continue monitoring the case and supporting the students of Obuasi SHTS and survivors of sexual violence until justice was served.
The statement was signed by Dedo Mate-Kodjo, President of the Accra Club; Vivien Akumia, President of the Kumasi Club; Googie Nunoo, President of the Tema Club; and Dr Lady Baaba Allotey, President of the Drussia-Takoradi Club.
Soroptimist International Ghana comprises the Accra, Kumasi, Tema and Drussia-Takoradi Clubs.
The organisation is part of a global volunteer movement focused on improving the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment and opportunities, while advocating for gender equality, human rights and communities free from violence and discrimination.
