Ghana: NPP Belgium Branch Demands Justice Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Students at Obuasi SHTS
The Belgium Branch of Ghana’s main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for an independent investigation and swift prosecution of individuals found responsible for the alleged sexual abuse of students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) in Ghana’s Ashanti Region.
The call follows allegations of sexual misconduct, including rape, against the school’s headmaster, Mr. Zakaria Abdulai, which were highlighted in an investigation by JoyNews.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Andrews Kwame Perprem, the NPP Belgium Branch expressed outrage over the allegations and urged state authorities to ensure that justice is served without interference or unnecessary delays.
The branch stressed that educational institutions have a fundamental responsibility to guarantee the safety and well-being of students entrusted to their care.
According to the statement, parents send their children to school with the expectation that teachers and administrators will provide a secure environment that promotes academic excellence, discipline and personal development.
It maintained that any abuse of authority that exposes students to sexual exploitation represents a serious breach of that responsibility.
The NPP Belgium Branch further raised concerns about possible institutional lapses in the protection of students, insisting that investigations must go beyond the allegations against the headmaster to establish whether other individuals or authorities neglected their duties.
The group argued that anyone found to have deliberately concealed complaints, obstructed investigations or failed to report criminal conduct should face appropriate legal consequences.
It emphasised that the protection of children must remain a national priority, irrespective of political affiliation, institutional influence or social status.
The branch also warned that the misuse of political connections or positions of authority to shield individuals from accountability could undermine public confidence in Ghana’s justice system.
As part of its demands, the NPP Belgium Branch called for a comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation into the allegations, followed by the prosecution of all individuals against whom sufficient evidence of criminal wrongdoing is established.
It also urged the relevant authorities to introduce measures to protect alleged victims, witnesses and whistleblowers from intimidation, victimisation and retaliation.
Recognising the potential psychological consequences of sexual abuse, the branch demanded immediate access to professional counselling and psychosocial support for affected students.
Additionally, it called for the transfer of the affected student identified in the statement to another educational institution without imposing any financial burden on the family.
Beyond the Obuasi SHTS case, the group advocated a nationwide assessment of child protection and safeguarding arrangements in senior high schools and other second-cycle educational institutions.
It said such a review should lead to stronger preventive measures and confidential reporting channels through which students can safely report sexual harassment, exploitation and other forms of abuse.
The NPP Belgium Branch described the controversy as a critical test of Ghana’s commitment to protecting children’s rights, upholding human dignity and ensuring accountability within public institutions.
It further expressed solidarity with those who have reported abuse and acknowledged the courage required to speak publicly about such experiences, particularly in circumstances where victims may face stigma or intimidation.
The group appealed to law enforcement agencies, educational authorities and other relevant state institutions to treat the allegations with the seriousness they deserve while ensuring that due process is followed.
It maintained that the safety of students must take precedence over personal interests, institutional reputation and political considerations.
The statement concluded with a renewed appeal for decisive action to protect vulnerable children and strengthen public confidence in the country’s educational system.
The allegations against the headmaster remain unproven, and any determination of criminal responsibility will depend on the outcome of investigations and applicable legal proceedings.