NPP National Women’s Organiser has warned that school authorities’ alleged failure to act on sexual abuse complaints at Obuasi Senior High Technical School would amount to “an unacceptable breach” of their responsibility to protect students, if established.
In a statement issued on Monday, Mavis Hawa Koomson demanded an independent criminal investigation into allegations involving the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.
Her intervention follows media reports, including an investigation by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, concerning approximately 19 female students. According to her statement, the students have recounted alleged rape, sexual harassment, sexual assault and other forms of abuse.
Ms Koomson expressed particular concern over reports that some complaints reached school authorities as far back as March 2026. She said the alleged absence of meaningful action had left serious questions about the protection of affected students.
If established, she said, such inaction would constitute grave negligence of the school authorities’ duty of care.
“No institution entrusted with educating and developing young people should compromise their safety, dignity, and psychological well-being.”
She called on the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service to conduct a swift, thorough, independent and transparent investigation.
Where sufficient evidence is established, she urged prosecutorial authorities to pursue legal processes regardless of the political affiliation, social standing or institutional position of anyone implicated.
“A child knows no political party colours. We must never subordinate the dignity, safety, and protection of our children to partisan considerations.”
Ms Koomson also raised concerns about reports of possible intimidation, victimisation and reprisals against affected students and their families.
She demanded measures to protect their identities, guarantee their safety and shield those reporting alleged abuse from retaliation.
She asked the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the Ghana Education Service to coordinate counselling, psychological support, medical care and other protective assistance.
Beyond the investigation, she called for a comprehensive GES review of child protection policies and rules governing the conduct of teachers, headmasters and school administrators.
She also appealed to women across the country, particularly the Vice President, to support efforts to secure justice and strengthen safeguards for girls.
“Justice must be pursued without fear or favour. Accountability must know no political boundaries, and the protection of our children must remain a shared national responsibility.”