Parliament’s Human Rights Committee has called for expedited investigations into allegations of sexual abuse involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), following reports that 19 girls have come forward in connection with the case.
In a statement issued on October 21, 2026, the committee also urged authorities to provide the affected students with psychological counselling and protection against intimidation, stigma and retaliation.
The statement, signed by the committee’s chairperson and Member of Parliament for Kumawu, Ernest Yaw Anim, said the committee had taken note of developments in the police investigation, including the reported arrest of the headmaster and the submission of a case docket to the Attorney-General.
It called on the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Attorney-General to expedite the investigation and any necessary prosecution, including examining allegations involving the other students.
“Where the available evidence establishes grounds for prosecution, the necessary action must be taken promptly and in accordance with the law, while respecting due process,” the committee said.
The committee urged the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to ensure that the students receive appropriate psychosocial support and are protected from any form of pressure or retaliation.
“Their privacy, dignity and educational welfare must remain paramount,” it said.
It also called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to strengthen confidential reporting systems in schools so students can report sexual abuse and misconduct without fear, with complaints referred promptly to the appropriate authorities.
The committee further demanded a swift and impartial investigation into the conduct of any officials who may have received earlier complaints but failed to take appropriate action.
“Any failure of duty established through due process must attract the appropriate accountability measures,” the statement said.
The committee stressed that protecting students from abuse is a fundamental human rights obligation and that schools must provide safe environments where children can pursue their education without fear.
It said it would continue to monitor developments in the case and advocate for safeguards to prevent similar incidents.
