The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has strongly condemned the reported sexual abuse of a female student by the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, calling on the Ghana Education Service (GES) and relevant investigative authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
In a statement, the student union described the allegation as deeply troubling, stressing that school authorities have a responsibility to protect students from harm.
“The allegation is deeply troubling, especially because school authorities are expected to protect students, not expose them to harm,” NUGS stated.
The union said the reported incident draws attention to concerns about sexual harassment, intimidation and the abuse of authority in educational institutions.
NUGS urged the Ghana Education Service and the relevant investigative authorities to act swiftly to establish the facts surrounding the allegation.
The union emphasised that the affected student must receive the necessary protection and support throughout the investigative process.
“The affected student must be protected, given the necessary counselling and support, and spared any form of intimidation or victimisation,” the statement said.
NUGS also called for the student’s identity and dignity to be protected throughout the process.
The union’s position comes amid wider concerns about the safety of students in schools and tertiary institutions, particularly the vulnerability of female students to harassment and the misuse of authority by individuals entrusted with their care.
The student union has called for legal action if investigations establish that the allegation is true.
“If investigations establish that the allegation is true, we call for the headmaster to be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Ghana,” NUGS stated.
The union further stressed that official positions should not shield individuals from accountability where criminal conduct has been established.
“Nobody should be above the law because of their position or office,” the statement added.
NUGS also argued that administrative sanctions should not replace criminal prosecution where the evidence establishes that an offence has been committed.
“Where criminal conduct is established, administrative sanctions alone must not replace the prosecution required by law,” the union said.
The statement did not provide details of any completed investigation, formal charges or findings establishing the allegation.
Beyond the reported incident at Obuasi Senior High Technical School, NUGS said sexual harassment, intimidation and abuse of authority remain concerns for female students across the country’s educational institutions.
The union stated that many girls in senior high schools and female students in tertiary institutions continue to face such experiences, sometimes involving people entrusted with their care.
“No student should have to endure such experiences simply because they want to pursue an education,” NUGS stated.
The union called on the Ghana Education Service and tertiary institutions to strengthen systems for reporting sexual abuse and ensure that students can report misconduct without fear of retaliation.
It also urged authorities to take reports of sexual misconduct seriously and address them promptly.
The union expressed solidarity with the student involved in the reported case and others who have experienced sexual harassment or abuse.
“NUGS stands in solidarity with the affected student and all students who have suffered sexual harassment or abuse, including those who have remained silent out of fear,” the statement said.
NUGS maintained that educational institutions should provide safe environments where students are respected and protected.
The union’s call places renewed emphasis on the responsibility of educational authorities to protect students, investigate allegations fairly and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established.
Read the statement below:
