Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for the establishment of a National Sex Offenders Register, warning that Ghana must strengthen its child protection systems to prevent sexual abuse and hold perpetrators accountable.
The call follows disturbing allegations of sexual abuse involving female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) and the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, which have triggered public outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of students in educational institutions.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, November 10, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings urged lawmakers and relevant state institutions to urgently consider the proposed register as part of broader measures to protect children and other vulnerable persons.
“Mr Speaker, the measure of our civilisation and decency is not found merely in the laws we pass or conventions we ratify. It is found in how we treat those who are most vulnerable and least able to defend themselves,” she said.
She argued that Ghana’s response to sexual abuse must move beyond public condemnation and translate into concrete measures that guarantee the safety of children.
“We cannot continue to express outrage whenever another child is violated, only to return to business as usual when the headlines fade. Our children should not have to be extraordinarily brave simply to be safe,” she told Parliament.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the proposed National Sex Offenders Register, alongside stronger child protection mechanisms, could help improve accountability and prevent individuals who pose a risk to children from escaping scrutiny.
“I therefore urge this honourable House and relevant state institutions to urgently consider and discuss the establishment of a national sex offenders register and the strengthening of our child protection systems,” she added.
Her intervention comes amid growing scrutiny of the Obuasi Senior High Technical School case, following an investigative report by JoyNews journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, which detailed allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape involving students and the school’s headmaster.
The Ghana Education Service interdicted the headmaster on October 14, 2026, pending investigations into the allegations. The headmaster has denied the claims.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu told Parliament on November 10 that investigations into the matter were approximately 85 per cent complete, with 19 students reportedly having made allegations.
The controversy has intensified calls for stronger safeguards within schools, particularly regarding the responsibility of educational authorities to protect students from abuse and exploitation.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings’ proposal now places renewed attention on the need for a coordinated national response to sexual offences, with Parliament and relevant state institutions being urged to consider measures that would make child protection more effective and ensure that allegations of abuse receive the necessary attention.
