The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has criticised the perceived silence of Ghana’s Vice President, Her Excellency Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman on the alleged sexual misconduct involving students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS).
He believes the country’s first female Vice President is expected to speak publicly on matters affecting the protection of girls, particularly when allegations of sexual abuse involving schoolchildren generate national debate.
Mr Aboagye explained that although the allegations must be treated cautiously until the appropriate processes are completed, public advocacy from the country’s highest-ranking female political officeholder is necessary in these situations.
“And the silence from the Vice President is very loud. Her voice is extremely important and if heard, it reinforces the fight and the protection of the girl child.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
The NPP Communications Director observed that public expectations of a female Vice President often include “visible empathy and advocacy” on issues affecting women and girls. He recalled a previous incident involving children who reportedly suffered an accident, during which members of the public also questioned the Vice President’s public response.
Although he acknowledged that the Vice President could be undertaking work behind the scenes, Mr Aboagye contended that visible advocacy carries a distinct public significance. He explained that when a prominent national figure speaks in support of protecting the girl child, the intervention can strengthen public awareness and encourage wider participation in safeguarding children.
Directing attention to the Obuasi SHTS case, Mr Aboagye stressed that the debate should not become a contest between the NPP and the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). He cautioned that partisan exchanges could “divert public attention” from the alleged misconduct and the responsibility to protect the students involved.
The communications director also drew on his experience as a father of three girls to explain why he has taken a personal interest in the case. He described imagining the distress of the affected child’s family and highlighted the vulnerability of adolescents in boarding schools, particularly where adults occupy positions of authority over them.
According to Mr Aboagye, teachers are expected to protect students and must never exploit their authority or the trust placed in them. He urged public figures, parents and educators to contribute to a national conversation that prioritises children’s safety.
While calling for stronger advocacy, Mr Aboagye acknowledged that allegations require proper examination and that innocent people must not be wrongfully accused. He cited a separate case in which, according to his account, a previously accused individual was later exonerated after the complainant admitted fabricating the allegation.
He cautioned, however, that exceptional cases should not undermine the treatment of legitimate complaints. The immediate priority, he stressed, should remain the protection of children alongside fair investigations and due process.
NPP Communications Director Demands Stronger Safeguards For Schoolgirls
Child protection and the responsibility of teachers to safeguard students must take precedence over partisan exchanges surrounding the alleged sexual misconduct at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), according to New Patriotic Party (NPP) Director of Communications Dennis Miracles Aboagye.
He urged Ghanaians to confront allegations of sexual abuse involving schoolchildren openly while ensuring that investigations establish the facts and protect the rights of everyone involved.
Mr Aboagye believes the authority entrusted to educators makes professional boundaries essential, particularly in boarding schools where students depend on adults for supervision and guidance.
He cautioned that adolescents often struggle to report inappropriate behavior, making parental vigilance, institutional accountability, and accessible reporting channels indispensable, emphasizing that “the first defense, the first protection is a girl child.”
The NPP Communications Director recounted an incident involving a girl who reportedly informed her parents about inappropriate conduct by a teacher in a school laboratory. According to his account, the student’s complaint prompted further inquiries by the school, after which the matter was referred to security operatives.
He observed that the girl’s willingness to speak up was significant because, as he recounted, other students were allegedly aware of the conduct but could not come forward. The account illustrates why schools must create environments in which children can report misconduct without fear or intimidation.
Mr Aboagye charged teachers to avoid situations that could compromise their professional responsibilities or expose students to harm. He explained that educators should establish clear boundaries with learners, particularly when interactions take place in secluded spaces or outside normal classroom supervision.
While acknowledging that allegations must be investigated fairly, he stressed that children should have safe avenues to report inappropriate behaviour. Parents, school authorities and relevant security agencies, he proposed, must take complaints seriously and ensure that appropriate procedures are followed.
READ ALSO: Ghana’s Petroleum Hub Ambition Hinges on Regional Specialisation
