The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has criticised alleged attempts by some political figures to shield the interdicted headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, who is facing sexual misconduct allegations.
He described such conduct as the actions of “cheap men” and warned political leaders against interfering in the case, insisting that those involved could face serious consequences if they attempted to undermine the process.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, November 10, Bagbin said he was saddened by the attitude of some politicians who had treated the allegations as though nothing had happened, with some reportedly attempting to support the headmaster’s bid for a leadership position.
“It’s only cheap men who do that. You know? Yes. Please, let’s move away from that and do what is right. There is no society that has developed, to the best of my knowledge, by doing what is wrong. All the countries that you visit and you see they have developed; they have values that they treasure: integrity and honesty, very high,” he said.
“What saddened me was the attitude of politicians. They treated it as if nothing happened. And people even dared to try to support the suspect to contest for a leadership position. That is how offensive it has gone. And we should not encourage such things at all,” he stated.
Bagbin further cautioned political leaders against taking the matter lightly, warning that they would face consequences if they attempted to interfere with the process.
“Some of us are still on the lookout. We are watching as to how this case is going to end. And those involved, particularly political leaders, if you joke with it, will punish you seriously because of this single case. We should take it very seriously. Leadership is a service, it is a sacrifice,” he said.
The Speaker also urged the Attorney General to consider reviewing existing laws to introduce stiffer penalties to deter sexual abuse offences.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has disclosed that investigations into the allegations at the school are 85 per cent complete, with evidence gathered so far pointing to a possible prima facie case against the headmaster.
Mr Iddrisu said the committee established by the Ministry of Education to investigate the matter was nearing the completion of its work, while the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) was handling the criminal aspects, including allegations of sexual assault involving some students.
