The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender, Children and Social Welfare has demanded accountability over the alleged sexual abuse involving students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), brought to public attention through the investigative documentary, “Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow,” by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Committee said it is deeply disturbed by the allegations, stressing that every child has the right to safety, dignity and an education free from abuse, intimidation and exploitation.
“Schools must be places of learning and protection, not environments where those entrusted with the care of children exploit their vulnerability or abuse their authority,” the statement said.
The Committee unequivocally condemned all forms of child abuse and said it will not countenance conduct that endangers the welfare of children.
It called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to pursue a thorough, impartial and timely investigation into the allegations.
According to the Committee, the investigation must establish the facts, examine the handling of any previous complaints and ensure that every person found responsible – whether through direct involvement, concealment or a failure to discharge their safeguarding responsibilities – faces the appropriate disciplinary or criminal consequences.
The Committee acknowledged the suspension of the Headmaster, Mr. Zakaria Abdulai, pending investigations, and the referral of the matter to the police, noting that these measures must be followed by a rigorous process that delivers accountability and commands public confidence.
It also commended the Ministers for Education and Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu and Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, for meeting with Manasseh Azure Awuni to obtain first-hand insight into the allegations to inform their ministries’ responses to the protection and support needs of affected students.
“We recognise that every accused person is entitled to due process and is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court. Our condemnation of child abuse must not be mistaken for a prejudgment of the allegations against any individual,” the Committee stated.
“Equally, respect for due process must never become an excuse for inaction, interference or the shielding of anyone from lawful investigation. No position, political affiliation or institutional interest should place any person beyond scrutiny or above the law.”
The Committee stressed that the immediate safety and welfare of affected students must remain paramount, urging relevant authorities to ensure access to confidential counselling, appropriate medical care and other necessary support.
It said students, families, witnesses and whistle-blowers must be protected from intimidation, retaliation and stigmatisation, and appealed to the media and the public to safeguard the identities, privacy and dignity of affected children and to avoid circulating material that could expose them to further harm.
The Committee further commended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for directing Mr. Abdulai to step aside from the Juaben Constituency chairmanship contest pending the police investigation, and noted his subsequent resignation as Juaben Constituency Secretary and withdrawal from the contest.
“These steps reinforce the principle that political office must not shield anyone from scrutiny, while leaving the determination of the allegations to the appropriate authorities,” it said.
It also commended Manasseh Azure Awuni and the journalistic team behind the documentary for bringing the deeply troubling allegations to public attention, noting that responsible investigative journalism plays an important role in exposing suspected wrongdoing and prompting institutions to account for the protection of vulnerable children.
Beyond this case, the Committee called for a comprehensive review of safeguarding and complaints-handling arrangements in schools.
“Children must have safe, accessible and confidential channels through which to report abuse, with clear procedures for prompt referral, independent investigation and effective action. Any weaknesses that allow complaints to be ignored, suppressed or mishandled must be identified and corrected,” it said.
The Committee said it stands with affected students and their families and remains resolute in its commitment to parliamentary oversight and to learning environments in which every child is protected, respected and able to pursue an education without fear.
“The protection of children is non-negotiable. Due process must be upheld, the truth must be established, and anyone found responsible must face the full consequences of the law,” the statement concluded.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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