The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has called for an independent, time-bound investigation into alleged sexual abuse involving Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) Headmaster Zakaria Abdulai and about 19 female students, urging authorities to strengthen safeguards before the school reopens.
In a statement, the Centre called for independent safeguarding arrangements, counselling for students and clear, confidential reporting channels, while stressing that the presumption of the headmaster’s innocence must not delay investigations or silence alleged victims.
“The CSJ calls for a time-bound inquiry by the police and the Attorney-General’s Department to establish the facts, ensure accountability and address institutional failures before Obuasi SHTS reopens.”
Centre for Social Justice (CSJ)
CSJ acknowledged steps taken by the Bekwai Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Ghana Education Service (GES).
However, it called for a time-bound inquiry by the police and the Attorney-General’s Department to establish the facts and ensure accountability where institutions failed in their responsibilities.
The Centre highlighted reports that complaints were made to school management in February 2026 and to the Municipal Education Directorate in March. Further incidents were allegedly reported in June and July, raising questions about how concerns were handled and whether protective systems worked as intended.
“Of particular concern are reports that complaints were raised with school management in February 2026 and with the Municipal Education Directorate in March, and that further incidents were allegedly reported in June and July. If these reports are accurate, they point to a failure of safeguarding systems, and not only to the alleged conduct of one individual,”
Centre for Social Justice (CSJ)
CSJ urged investigators to protect and support survivors and witnesses throughout the process. It called for their treatment to comply with the Children’s Act and Ghana’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
The Centre also called for institutions found to have neglected their responsibilities to be held accountable. It argued that the response should address both the allegations against the Headmaster and any institutional failures that an investigation establishes.
GES Urged to Audit School Safeguarding Systems
Beyond the Obuasi case, CSJ called on the Ghana Education Service to commission an independent national audit of sexual misconduct and safeguarding systems in schools. It also urged the Service to enforce its Code of Conduct, establish confidential reporting channels and publish regular reports on cases and their outcomes.
The proposed audit would broaden attention from one school to the systems intended to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct across the education sector. CSJ’s call places emphasis on whether schools have safe ways for students to report abuse, whether complaints receive timely attention and whether institutions are held responsible when safeguards fail.
The Centre further urged the Ministry of Education to ensure that students at Obuasi SHTS receive counselling when the school reopens. It called for safe, confidential ways for students to report abuse, so that learners can seek help without fear of their concerns being exposed.
Media and Public Asked to Protect Students
CSJ also appealed to the media and the public to protect survivors’ identities and apply the principle of doing no harm while pursuing accountability. It stressed the importance of responsible reporting in a case involving students and allegations of sexual abuse.
CSJ expressed readiness to work with the Ministry of Education, GES, DOVVSU, the Department of Social Welfare and other civil society organisations to pursue justice for the students and strengthen safeguards against sexual abuse in schools.
Its recommendations combine an investigation into the specific allegations with broader reforms to reporting, counselling, oversight and accountability.
The Centre maintains that the school’s reopening should be accompanied by safeguards that give students practical access to support and confidential reporting, while allowing investigators to establish the facts through a fair process.
CSJ’s position is that the response must combine a fair investigation with practical protections for students. It called for transparent processes that respect the rights of all parties, ensure complaints are examined, and make support available to those who need it. The Centre also urged authorities to make safeguarding arrangements clear before reopening again.
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