JoyNews Investigative Journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has disclosed that about 19 students have allegedly been sexually abused by the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai.

Manasseh Azure Awuni’s latest documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, investigates allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape involving female students and Zakaria Abdulai.

Initially, 16 female students came forward; 14 did so when he visited the school to investigate. Manasseh Azure Awuni disclosed this on Joy FM on Thursday, October 15, while speaking about his documentary.

“I've been to Obuasi twice. First in 2018, and this is my second time visiting Obuasi. The first visit was about allegations of sexual assault in the same school.

“From yesterday, my sources at the school told me the number has grown to 19. So way more names have come up, and it is likely there will be more, because some didn't give a report,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zakaria Abdulai has been suspended following the documentary. Ghana has recorded several cases of sexual abuse by headmasters.

Watch the documentary here:

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 (GES) 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.