Human rights and sustainable development organisation RISE-Ghana has urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to reconsider its decision to clear the suspended headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, to contest the party’s constituency chairmanship.
The organisation says the decision risks undermining public confidence in state institutions, access to justice and efforts to protect children amid allegations of sexual abuse involving female students at the school.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, and signed by its Executive Director, Awal Ahmed Kariama, RISE-Ghana described the matter as a test of the commitment of political parties and state institutions to child protection and accountability.
It argued that the handling of the case could affect the confidence of survivors and their families in the justice system.
“With declining state legitimacy and trust in state institutions in addressing issues affecting ordinary citizens, clearing the Headmaster will go a long way to undermine survivors’ hope for justice, adherence to due process, and redress,” the organisation said.
The organisation acknowledged the right of the accused to clear his name and the NDC’s stated commitment to due process but insisted that these considerations should not overshadow the rights and welfare of children.
“While recognizing the right of the accused person to clear their name and the NDC party’s desire to follow due process, the interest of an individual must not override the rights of children who had been entrusted into the care of state institutions that sadly get victimized repeatedly,” it said.
RISE-Ghana also quoted a parent of one of the alleged survivors questioning whether following legal procedures would deliver justice.
“Does the state want me to go and physically assault the accused person, get arrested and taken to court to make my case? Is following due process a crime?” the parent asked, according to the statement.
The organisation cited UNICEF Ghana data indicating that more than one in 10 girls aged 15 to 19 have experienced at least one act of sexual violence.
It called on the ruling party to demonstrate its commitment to the Children’s Act and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly the principle that the best interests of children must be a primary consideration in matters affecting them.
RISE-Ghana outlined four actions it wants civil society organisations, the media and parents to pursue in response to the matter.
It called for support for survivors to explore strategic litigation, including a possible class action, to challenge the party’s decision.
The organisation also urged civil society groups to seek to participate as amici curiae — independent parties assisting a court with relevant information or perspectives — in proceedings connected to the case.
It further called on the NDC to reconsider its decision and demonstrate a duty of care towards children.
RISE-Ghana also urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) to strengthen its policy on sexual misconduct, arguing that transferring alleged perpetrators alone would be insufficient to ensure accountability.
Mr Abdulai was suspended by the GES following allegations of sexual abuse involving female students at Obuasi SHTS, which were brought to public attention through an investigation by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
The number of students alleging abuse has reportedly risen to 16.
Mr Abdulai is also a serving constituency secretary of the NDC in Juaben and was seeking to contest the constituency chairmanship.
The Ministry of Education has directed the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service to investigate the allegations.
The allegations have not been established, and the investigation is ongoing. The NDC’s decision to clear Mr Abdulai to contest the party position does not, in itself, determine the outcome of the criminal investigation.
RISE-Ghana says it will continue to press for measures that protect children, support survivors and ensure accountability as the matter proceeds.