Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak has revealed that allegations of sexual misconduct against the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) had not reached the Ministry of Education before Manasseh Azure Awuni’s investigative documentary exposed the matter.

He added that, although reports of the alleged abuse had earlier been made to the Obuasi and Ashanti Regional Directors of Education, it was yet to reach the Ministry.

He added, “We had heard nothing about the sexual abuse until the documentary came out.We became aware that reports were made to them, but for some reason the information didn’t get to us in Accra. So we need to examine the administrative lapses as to why they knew this and we did not become aware”.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, October 21, Vice-President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang called on the public to remain calm and allow the appropriate legal processes to take their course.

“What I want to say at this point is that this is a very, very serious matter. It is a matter of concern to all of us, and it is a matter of national concern. What I want to see is that we all allow the law to take its course because this is a very serious matter, especially as it affects the lives of people, not only in the present but also going into the future. So let's allow the law to take its course,” the Vice-President added.

In the meantime, Ghanaians have been urged to wear red in solidarity with the girls at the centre of sexual abuse allegations at Obuasi Senior High Technical School. The “Wear Red on Wednesday — Justice for Obuasi SHTS Girls” campaign launched by some Ghanaian activists, to seek justice for the affected girls.

Zakaria Abdulai, who was the then headmaster of the school, has been accused by some of the female students of sexual abuse. This information came to light in Manasseh Azure Awuni’s latest documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow. So far, 19 students have allegedly been sexually abused by Zakaria Abdulai.

The revelation has triggered scores of Ghanaians calling on the government to bring Zakaria Abdulai. But the Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, on Tuesday, October 20, disclosed that Mr Abdulai had been arrested and was being investigated. Ghana has recorded several cases of sexual abuse by headmasters.

Last year, the Headmaster of Dzodze-Penyi Senior High School, Mr. Joshua Vidzro, was temporarily relieved of his duties by the Ghana Education Service (GES) over his alleged involvement in sexual misconduct with some female students.

In September, the Ghana Education Service announced the removal of KNUST Senior High School's Assistant Headmaster (Academic), Mr. Charles Akwasi Aidoo, from office over alleged misconduct.

He was spotted in a viral video with a female student in a compromising position. In response, GES management released a statement outlining its stance on the matter. “Management views this matter with utmost seriousness. In line with our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the teaching profession and ensuring the safety and welfare of students under our care, Mr. Aidoo has already been removed from office and prohibited from going to the school while thorough investigations are being carried out,” the statement read.

The GES assured the general public, stakeholders, parents, and students that due process will be followed, and the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the code of conduct of the Ghana Education Service.