Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has directed the immediate suspension of the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female student.
The directive also calls for a full investigation into the allegations, which were brought to the attention of the Ministry of Education through an investigative report by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
In a statement signed by the Minister’s Press Secretary, Hashmin Mohammed, the ministry said Mr Iddrisu had instructed the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take immediate steps to suspend the headmaster while investigations proceed.
The minister has also requested the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to investigate the matter.
The ministry described the allegations as serious and stressed that school authorities have a responsibility to protect students entrusted to their care.
“Parents and Guardians have entrusted their wards in the care of teachers whose responsibilities are to protect and safeguard the children and not abuse them,” the statement said.
The ministry and the GES reiterated that sexual misconduct and other forms of abuse would not be tolerated in educational institutions.
The latest development follows earlier unrest at Obuasi SHTS in August, when students allegedly assaulted the headmaster amid allegations surrounding the discovery of a foetus near the school premises. The incident led to the school’s closure and prompted investigations by the relevant authorities.
The allegations against Abdulai have not been established, and the investigations are expected to determine the facts of the case.
