The Committee on Human Rights of Parliament has called for swift investigations into the allegations of sexual misconduct involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai.
The call follows viral reports that 19 female students of the school have come forward in connection with the case.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 21, the Committee urged the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Attorney-General to expedite investigations and any subsequent prosecution, including inquiries into allegations involving other students.
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The Committee stressed that where available evidence establishes grounds for prosecution, the necessary legal action must be taken promptly, while respecting due process and ensuring a fair investigation.
The call comes amid growing concern over the allegations at the school and renewed demands for stronger safeguards to protect students from sexual abuse and misconduct in educational institutions.
The Committee also appealed to the Ministries of Education and Gender, Children and Social Protection to provide the affected students with psychological counselling, psychosocial support and adequate protection against intimidation, stigma and retaliation.
It emphasised that the privacy, dignity and educational welfare of the students must remain paramount throughout the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
Beyond the immediate case, the Committee called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to strengthen confidential reporting mechanisms in schools to enable students to report sexual abuse and misconduct without fear of victimisation.
It said effective reporting systems are necessary to ensure that complaints are handled promptly and appropriately, while protecting students who come forward with allegations.
The Committee further demanded a swift and impartial investigation into the conduct of any officials who may have received earlier complaints but failed to take appropriate action.
According to the statement, any failure of duty established through due process must attract the appropriate accountability measures.
“The safety of students is a fundamental human rights obligation. Schools must be safe environments where children are protected, respected and able to pursue their education without fear,” the Committee said.
It assured that it would continue to monitor developments in the case and advocate for effective safeguards to prevent similar incidents in schools.