Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights has called for an accelerated investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), with reports that 19 girls have come forward.
The committee also urged the authorities to provide immediate counselling, psychosocial care and protection for the affected students.
In a statement dated 21 October 2026, committee chairman Ernest Yaw Anim, the Member of Parliament for Kumawu, said the panel was “gravely concerned” by the reports. The committee noted claims that the headmaster had been arrested and that the case docket had been sent to the Attorney-General.
It called on the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Attorney-General to complete the investigative and prosecutorial processes without delay, including inquiries into allegations involving the other students.
The committee said any prosecution should be conducted promptly and lawfully, while maintaining due process.
It also asked the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to ensure the students receive the necessary counselling and psychosocial support. The ministries were urged to protect them from intimidation, stigma and retaliation, while safeguarding their privacy, dignity and education.
The committee further called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to improve confidential and accessible systems for reporting sexual abuse in schools.
It said there should also be a swift and impartial inquiry into any officials who had received earlier complaints but failed to take action.
“The safety of students is a fundamental human rights obligation,” the committee said, adding that it would continue to monitor developments in the case.
How the allegations emerged
The allegations attracted national attention following a JoyNews documentary by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni. The number of students reported to have made allegations increased from 16 to 19.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu ordered the headmaster’s suspension and directed the CID to begin an investigation. GES also interdicted him while a full investigation was carried out.
Police have sent the case docket to the Attorney-General for advice on a complaint filed by a student on 4 August 2026. A police spokesperson said claims involving other students would also be investigated if they were formally reported.
There has been conflicting information about whether the headmaster was arrested.
The Interior Minister told Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee on 20 October that the headmaster had been arrested. However, on the following day, Bekwai Police Public Relations Officer ASP Lloyd Baidoo rejected reports that an arrest had taken place.
The allegations remain under investigation and have not been proven in court.
