Obuasi:The Asante Youth Association (AYA) has called for a comprehensive investigation into allegations of sexual assault and rape involving the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai. These allegations reportedly involve 16 female students.
According to Ghana Web, AYA has demanded accountability from various school and education officials, including the school's Housemistress, Madam Adwoa Yeboah, the Obuasi East Municipal Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), and the Ashanti Regional GES Director. In a press statement signed by its General Secretary, Tweneboa Kodua, and Vice President for Operations, Nana Oppong, AYA stressed the need for urgent and transparent action by the relevant authorities.
The association emphasized that administrative investigations by the GES should not replace criminal probes by law enforcement agencies. It urged parents and guardians of the affected students to seek legal help and called on the Ghana Police Service to investigate the allegations impartially. AYA also insisted on protecting the identities and privacy of the students.
Furthermore, AYA questioned the conduct and supervisory responsibilities of the Housemistress, demanding her removal and an investigation into the adequacy of safeguarding within the school's boarding facilities. It also sought accountability from the Obuasi East Municipal Director of the GES and the Ashanti Regional GES Director, citing concerns over their oversight.
AYA has appealed to the Women's Caucus in Parliament and other government offices to address the broader concerns of girls' protection in educational institutions. It criticized the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for its handling of such issues and urged the Office of the First Lady to advocate for stronger protective measures for students.
The association also expressed disappointment with the traditional authorities for their perceived inaction and called for moral leadership to protect vulnerable students. It commended journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni and Joy FM for their investigative work but urged local media to increase coverage on child protection issues.
AYA demanded that the affected students receive psychosocial support and legal assistance. It called for institutional reforms to enhance school safety and vowed to continue advocating for justice and accountability in this matter. The allegations are still under investigation, with any criminal responsibility yet to be determined through legal proceedings.