Obuasi:The number of students alleging sexual abuse by the suspended headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) has increased to 19. This development was disclosed by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
According to Ghana Web, Manasseh reported that three more students have come forward with allegations, adding to the number of cases uncovered during his investigation into the matter.
Manasseh mentioned on JoyNews' The Probe that sources at the school informed him the number of victims had grown to 19, with the possibility of more coming forward as some students had not yet reported their experiences. Initially, Manasseh's investigation began with information about five students, which increased to 14 upon his visit to the school. Subsequently, two more students came forward, raising the total to 16 before the latest three cases were revealed.
The journalist expressed concern about the situation, particularly as it echoes a 2018 incident at the same school involving a senior housemaster who was dismissed following similar allegations of sexual assault. Manasseh noted that addressing the current allegations is more challenging because they involve the headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, who holds the highest position in the school's administration.
Manasseh also highlighted that the allegations are reportedly well-known within the Obuasi community, including among members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), but some individuals seem hesitant to speak publicly about the issue. The allegations against Abdulai are still under investigation.