HOW SUSPENDED GHANAIAN SCHOOL HEADMASTER FONDLED, RAPED STUDENT IN OFFICE– POLICE

The suspended headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, Mr Zakaria Abdulai, has been accused of fondling and raping a student in his office bungalow, according to police allegations that have shocked the nation.

The allegations came to public attention through an investigative documentary titled “Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow,” produced by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.

THE ALLEGATIONS

The documentary detailed allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape involving female students at the school.

According to the reports, Abdulai allegedly abused students in his office bungalow, using his position of authority to exploit them.

The allegations remain subject to investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

THE OFFICIAL RESPONSE

Following the reports, the Minister of Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to suspend Abdulai and requested a criminal investigation by the CID.

The GES subsequently interdicted the headmaster pending investigations and directed him to make himself available to assist with the investigation and hand over the management of the school to the Regional Director of Education.

In a further administrative measure, the GES on Tuesday directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Dr William Amankrah Appiah, and the Obuasi Municipal Director of Education, Mr Kwamena Owusu-Nketiah, to step aside to help ensure that the investigations proceeded without interference or the perception of interference.

THE POLICE INVESTIGATION

The Interior Minister, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, told the Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday that the case had been transferred to the Police Headquarters in Accra for further investigation .

Meanwhile, the Police disclosed that the docket relating to a complaint lodged by a student on August 4 has been submitted to the Attorney-General for study and advice .

THE VICE PRESIDENT’S CALL

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Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang called for due process in the investigations, describing the matter as “very, very serious” and “a matter of concern to all of us.”

“What I want to see is that we all allow the law to take its course, because this is a very serious matter, especially as it affects the lives of people, not only in the present, but also going into the future. So let us allow the law to take its course,” she said .

THE NDC CONNECTION

The scandal also entangled Abdulai’s political activities. He had sought to contest the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Juaben Constituency chairmanship election.

On October 18, the party directed him to withdraw from the chairmanship race or risk disqualification. The party subsequently reversed its position on October 20, directing him to step aside to allow an unhindered investigation.

Abdulai resigned as Constituency Secretary and withdrew his candidature, vowing to clear his name.

“At this time, I intend to devote my attention and resources to pursuing all lawful avenues to clear my name and vindicate my position,” he stated.

WHY IT MATTERS

The Obuasi SHTS scandal is a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of students in educational institutions.

Schools are supposed to be places of safety and learning. When the head of an institution is accused of sexual abuse, the betrayal is profound—not just for the victims, but for the entire community.

The swift action by the GES and the police is commendable. But the investigation must be thorough, transparent and fair to all parties. The victims deserve justice. The accused deserves due process. And the public deserves answers.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the investigation continues.