The National Council of Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of Ghana has welcomed steps by the Ghana Education Service (GES) to reopen Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), which was temporarily closed after an alleged sexual assault incident.
The Council said the proposed reopening could provide relief for students whose education has been disrupted, particularly those in Form Three preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Obuasi SHTS was closed on August 5, 2026, following the alleged incident. The decision raised concerns over student safety, accountability and the effect of the closure on teaching and learning.
According to the Council, Form One and Form Two students have continued with their education, while Form Three students have remained at home.
Speaking at a PTA meeting at Badu Bonsu Senior High School in Agona Ahanta, the Council’s National Secretary, Gapson Kofi Raphael, appealed to the Ministry of Education and GES to explore ways for final-year students to return to the classroom while investigations remain ongoing.
The National PTA Council said it supported the action being taken by GES, but urged the Service to ensure that any reopening plan placed the safety and welfare of students first. It also called for measures to protect the academic prospects of students who were not implicated in the alleged incident.
Mr Raphael said the Council supported a full investigation and appropriate punishment for anyone found culpable. However, he said students should not face unnecessary hardship because of the alleged actions of others.
“We support investigations, but as our elders say, you do not burn down the house because of a rat,” he said.
Call for stronger protection in schools
The Council also called for more effective measures to prevent sexual abuse in schools, urging teacher unions, school authorities and parents to work together to safeguard students.
“The classroom is for chalk, not for bed,” Mr Raphael said.
He added that teachers found responsible for sexual abuse should face appropriate disciplinary measures, including removal from the teaching profession where warranted.
Mr Raphael recognised the dedication of many teachers, but warned that misconduct by some individuals could damage confidence in the teaching profession.
The National PTA Council urged parents to take a more active role in their children’s welfare by monitoring their conduct and keeping in regular contact with school authorities.
Students were encouraged to follow school rules and report inappropriate behaviour or suspected abuse to trusted adults and the relevant authorities.
The Council said it remained committed to working with GES, school authorities, teachers and parents to promote discipline, protect students and ensure uninterrupted access to education.
