The Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights, Honourable Ernest Yaw Anim, has called for swift prosecution in the Obuasi Senior High Technical School case, warning that accountability must extend beyond investigations.
The Kumawu MP also indicated that the Committee would consider a parliamentary probe if the circumstances warrant further scrutiny.
Speaking about the allegations involving the school’s headmaster, Honourable Anim condemned the reported conduct and urged the Ghana Police Service to conclude its “investigations within a reasonable timeframe.” He stressed that the case requires a decisive legal response, particularly given reports that concerns about the alleged misconduct has previously been brought to the attention of school authorities.
“Once Ghana Police Service concludes its investigation, we expect the matter to end up in the courts, and for the courts to also expedite prosecution so that the right sentence is meted out to this head teacher.”
Honourable Ernest Yaw Anim
The Chairperson believes the outcome should demonstrate that allegations of sexual abuse within educational institutions receive serious legal attention and that those found culpable face appropriate consequences.
Furthermore, Honourable Anim called for the justice system to handle the case expeditiously, arguing that prolonged proceedings could undermine public confidence in efforts to protect students. He urged the relevant institutions to ensure that the investigation proceeds thoroughly and that any prosecution is conducted in accordance with the law.
The Human Rights Committee, he explained, will continue monitoring the handling of the case as part of its parliamentary oversight responsibilities. Its attention will remain on whether the investigative and judicial processes establish the facts and deliver an appropriate outcome.
Meanwhile, the MP cautioned that the case could require scrutiny beyond the conduct attributed to the headmaster, particularly if evidence points to other individuals or institutional failures. He made clear that the Committee would assess developments as the investigation progresses before determining whether additional parliamentary action is necessary.
Honourable Anim also called for the outcome of the case to be made clear to the public, noting that accountability must be visible if the justice system is to deter similar misconduct. He believes a credible response would help reinforce the responsibility of educators and school authorities to protect students in their care.
Kumawu MP Calls for Psychological Support For Students
Students affected by the alleged sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School require psychological support alongside the ongoing investigation, the Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights, Honourable Ernest Yaw Anim, has noted.
The Kumawu MP cautioned that the emotional consequences of alleged abuse could disrupt students’ education and affect their wellbeing long after the immediate case has attracted public attention.
“They are there to one, learn, but then they end up coming out worse off and traumatized. And for the rest of their lives, these students would not be able to face life as they are expected to do.”
Honourable Ernest Yaw Anim
Highlighting the solution, Honourable Anim called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to ensure that affected students receive appropriate psychological assistance as they navigate the situation. He observed that young people who experience sexual violations may struggle with trauma, concentration and their ability to participate fully in school life.
The Parliamentary representative stressed that the welfare of students must remain central to the response, particularly because boarding school students often spend extended periods away from their families.
Furthermore, the Chairperson explained that teachers occupy positions of trust and are expected to provide guidance, protection and a safe environment for learning. Allegations of misconduct by those entrusted with students’ welfare therefore demand a serious institutional response, with support for affected learners treated as an essential part of that response.
In addition to psychological assistance, the MP urged the GES to demonstrate that it is actively fulfilling its responsibility to safeguard students. He questioned why similar cases repeatedly surfaced despite the existence of laws designed to protect children and address sexual abuse.
He referenced the Domestic Violence Act, the Children’s Act and provisions of the Criminal Code, observing that legislation alone cannot guarantee protection if the institutions responsible for enforcing it fail to act effectively. The challenge, in his view, lies in ensuring that established safeguards translate into practical action within schools.
Furthermore, Honourable Anim cautioned that repeated allegations of sexual misconduct in educational settings demand a more effective institutional response. He criticised a pattern in which committees are established and recommendations produced, yet similar cases continue to emerge without a clear sense of lasting resolution.
The Chairperson also highlighted the vulnerability of boarding students, who may remain on school campuses for much of the academic year with limited daily contact with their families. This makes it particularly important for teachers and school administrators to uphold professional boundaries and establish reliable channels through which students can seek help.
Meanwhile, Honourable Anim urged education authorities to prioritise the dignity and safety of learners throughout the investigation. He believes that a school’s responsibility extends beyond academic instruction to include the protection of students’ physical and psychological wellbeing.
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