Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu has assured journalists and whistleblowers involved in exposing alleged sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) of government protection, as investigations into the case continue.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, October 26, 2026, Mr Iddrisu said the government would take steps to safeguard those who helped bring the allegations to public attention, including investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
“We will get trauma-informed support for victims, including the 19 affected students. We will protect whistleblowers and safeguard them, including journalists, including Manasseh Azure Awuni, and many others,” the minister said.
The case centres on the school’s suspended headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, who is accused of sexually abusing 19 female students. The allegations have triggered public concern and calls for stronger measures to protect learners in educational institutions.
Mr Iddrisu said the government was committed to ensuring that the matter received the necessary administrative and legal attention and would not be allowed to fade from public discussion without action.
He also outlined plans to strengthen reporting systems in schools, including the introduction of confidential channels through which students can report abuse without having to go through their headteachers.
A proposed hotline is also expected to make it easier for students to report concerns and seek assistance.
The Education Ministry and the Ghana Education Service are expected to coordinate support for the affected students while relevant authorities investigate the allegations.
The headmaster has been suspended pending investigations, and the criminal aspects of the case have been referred to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service.
