Amnesty International Ghana has called for a prompt, independent and survivor-centred investigation into allegations of sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct involving female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) and the school’s headmaster, Mr. Abdulai.
In a press statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, the organisation expressed concern over reports that multiple female students had allegedly suffered sexual abuse, with complaints reportedly submitted to school management and education authorities months before the allegations became public.
The development follows an investigative report by JoyNews journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, titled Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, which examined allegations of sexual misconduct involving students and raised questions about how earlier complaints were handled.
According to reports by the journalist, the number of students who had come forward with allegations had risen to 19 by October 19. The allegations remain under investigation, and the headmaster has not been established to be guilty of any offence.
The JoyNews investigation reported that complaints from students, parents and teachers had reached school management and other authorities months before the matter attracted national attention.
The timing of the reported complaints has raised questions about whether the concerns were addressed promptly and whether existing reporting and safeguarding procedures were followed.
The Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, subsequently directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take steps to suspend the headmaster pending investigations into the allegations.
GES later interdicted Mr. Abdulai and directed him to make himself available to assist investigators. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service was also tasked with investigating the allegations.
The school reportedly experienced student unrest following the emergence of the allegations, resulting in damage to school property and a temporary closure.
Amnesty International Ghana said any failure by responsible officials to act promptly on complaints, if established, would constitute a serious breach of their duty to protect students from violence and abuse.
The organisation acknowledged the Education Minister’s directive and the CID investigation as important initial steps but insisted that the process must be thorough, independent and impartial.
It stressed that sexual abuse allegations must be handled through lawful procedures that protect survivors and ensure accountability.
“Sexual violence is a criminal offence and as such should not be dismissed, concealed, or resolved through informal arrangements that deny survivors protection and accountability,” the statement said.
Amnesty International Ghana also called for investigations into whether institutional failures, inadequate supervision, ineffective reporting mechanisms or the mishandling of earlier complaints contributed to the situation.
The organisation’s position extends beyond the allegations against the headmaster to the responsibilities of school management and education officials who may have received complaints before the matter became public.
Amnesty International Ghana called on the GES, the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Police Service and relevant health and social welfare authorities to ensure affected students receive appropriate support.
The organisation specifically called for access to medical care, psychosocial counselling, legal assistance and child protection services.
It also stressed the need to protect students, witnesses and their families from intimidation, victimisation and retaliation during the investigations.
The organisation further warned against disclosing the identities of affected students, particularly those under 18, without proper authorisation.
Amnesty International Ghana cited the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), the Ghana Education Service Code of Conduct for Teachers and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), in highlighting the legal responsibilities associated with protecting children and students from sexual abuse.
It called for stronger safeguarding policies in schools, confidential reporting channels and training for teachers and school administrators to help them identify, report and respond appropriately to abuse.
The organisation maintained that schools must provide safe environments in which students can learn without fear of violence, exploitation or sexual misconduct.
The allegations at Obuasi SHTS have brought renewed attention to the handling of sexual abuse complaints in educational institutions and the responsibility of authorities to act when concerns are raised.
The investigation is expected to establish the facts surrounding the allegations against the headmaster and examine the handling of complaints reportedly submitted before the case became public.
Amnesty International Ghana reaffirmed its solidarity with the affected students and their families, stressing that accountability must be upheld and that every child in Ghana should be able to learn in an environment free from violence.
The statement was signed by Hannah Osei, Director of Amnesty International Ghana.
Mr. Abdulai remains subject to investigation, and the allegations against him should not be treated as proven unless established through the appropriate legal process.
