Soroptimist International Ghana has condemned the alleged sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) and called for justice for the affected students.
The condemnation follows a documentary by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni titled “Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow,” which reports serious allegations of rape and sexual assault against the Headmaster of the school, Mr Zakaria Abdulai.
In a joint statement issued on October 28, 2026, and signed by presidents of its clubs across the country, the organisation said it watched the documentary with profound distress.
The group clarified that Mr Abdulai has not been found guilty, noting that the allegations are currently under criminal investigation by the Ghana Police Service CID and DOVVSU.
“We wish to state clearly that Mr Zakaria Abdulai has not been found guilty of the offence. The allegations against him are currently under criminal investigation by the Ghana Police Service – CID and DOVVSU. He is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement said.
According to the documentary, female students were allegedly lured to the headmaster’s bungalow, abused and threatened into silence, with earlier reports made by students and the Girl Child Coordinator allegedly not acted upon.
Soroptimist International Ghana, a global service organisation of women working to educate, empower and enable women and girls, outlined three key demands:
1. Support for learners: The organisation said while the case involves girls, its call for safety protects all children. It expressed solidarity with students of Obuasi SHTS and called for immediate psychosocial support, legal aid, protection from retaliation and strict confidentiality for victims.
2. Thorough investigation and prosecution: The group welcomed the interdiction of the headmaster by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the referral of the case to the CID by the Minister of Education. It called on DOVVSU, CID, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, CHRAJ and the Legal Aid Commission to ensure a swift, victim-sensitive investigation and prosecution if evidence warrants.
3. Systemic reforms: Describing the failure to act on early complaints as a systemic failure, the organisation joined NETRIGHT and other women’s rights groups to call on the Ministry of Education and GES to prosecute and permanently bar any adult who has sexual contact with a learner, end the practice of transferring accused teachers, prohibit the use of students as domestic help in staff homes, publish data on sexual misconduct in schools, and ensure every school has a trained Officer in charge of Child Protection and Safeguarding.
“The education of a girl is the empowerment of a nation. When a child’s safety in school is violated, their future is stolen. We cannot accept a culture of silence and impunity, especially when victims are poor, ordinary children facing powerful figures,” the statement said.
The organisation also appealed to the media and the public to treat victims with dignity and refrain from revealing the identities of alleged victims.
It said it will continue to monitor the case and stand with the students of Obuasi SHTS and all survivors of sexual violence until justice is served.
The statement was jointly signed by Dedo Mate-Kodjo, President of Accra Club; Vivien Akumia, President of Kumasi Club; Googie Nunoo, President of Tema Club; and Dr Lady Baaba Allotey, President of Drussia-Takoradi Club.
