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 (SHTS). The “Wear Red on Wednesday — Justice for Obuasi SHTS Girls” campaign has been launched 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 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 the Assistant Headmaster (Academic) of KNUST Senior High School, Mr. Charles Akwasi Aidoo, from office over alleged misconduct.

He was spotted in a viral video with a female student in a compromised position.

In response, management of GES released a statement declaring their 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.

Months ago, the Ghana Education Service directed school authorities to ensure that practical fees for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) received from students are refunded effective Monday, July 28.

A press statement dated Monday, July 28, indicated that teachers and school heads who fail to adhere to the directive shall face severe sanctions."The Government of Ghana has released full funding to cover the costs of the 2025 WASSCE practical examinations, including required materials and resources.

"Management notes with concern that some Heads have engaged in the collection of monies from Candidates/Parents/Guardians for these same practicals. The Heads involved are therefore directed to refund any monies collected from students in respect of WASSCE practicals,” parts of the statement read.

It instructed that school authorities ensure the refund process is properly documented and official receipts are issued to acknowledge repayment.

GES added that Regional Directors should be notified once the monies are refunded, emphasising, “Compliance with this directive will reduce the financial burden on students and parents and ensure that no learner is excluded from participation over lack of money.”

“Failure to comply will be considered a serious breach of official instructions and may attract administrative sanctions. Regional Directors are by this letter requested to share this information with all Heads of schools through their respective Municipal/Metro/District Directors of Education,” it stated.