NETRIGHT calls for prosecution of Obuasi SHTS Headmaster, urges NDC to reverse decision

The Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT) has called for the prosecution of the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, following allegations of rape and sexual assault detailed in an investigative documentary by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.

The organisation has also urged the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to reverse its decision to clear Abdulai to contest the chairmanship of the Juaben Constituency, despite the allegations contained in the documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow.

In a statement issued on October 20, NETRIGHT said the documentary presented disturbing allegations that Abdulai lured female students to his bungalow, subjected them to rape and other sexual acts, and threatened to kill or silence them if they reported the alleged abuse.

The organisation further expressed concern over claims that some school authorities, police personnel and political actors who were reportedly aware of the alleged conduct failed to take appropriate action to protect the students and help them seek justice.

NETRIGHT said rape and sexual assault were serious crimes under Ghanaian law and stressed that school authorities and others who become aware of such allegations have a responsibility to report them to the police for investigation.

It described the case as a reflection of a broader national problem, arguing that fear and a culture of silence often prevent victims of sexual violence from reporting abuse, particularly when the alleged perpetrators occupy positions of authority.

The organisation criticised the NDC’s Functional Executive Committee for clearing Abdulai to contest the Juaben Constituency chairmanship, despite reportedly acknowledging that it had viewed the documentary.

While recognising Abdulai’s right to a fair legal process and the presumption of innocence, NETRIGHT argued that political parties must also uphold ethical standards and demonstrate a clear commitment to protecting vulnerable people.

It maintained that the party’s decision was inconsistent with its stated position of zero tolerance for sexual abuse and harassment.

NETRIGHT has called on the NDC to rescind its decision to allow Abdulai to contest the constituency chairmanship.

It has also urged the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to refer the matter to law enforcement authorities for investigation and prosecution, arguing that interdiction alone would be insufficient given the gravity of the allegations.

The organisation is further demanding an explicit policy to ensure the prosecution of adults who engage in sexual contact with students, an end to the practice of transferring teachers and school heads accused or found guilty of sexual misconduct to other schools, and the permanent exclusion of those found guilty from the education sector.

It has also called for clear guidelines prohibiting school authorities from using students as domestic workers in their homes, as well as the publication of reports detailing sexual misconduct cases in schools and the actions taken to address them.

NETRIGHT further urged state institutions mandated to address gender-based violence, including the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), the Ghana Police Service, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Domestic Violence Secretariat and the Legal Aid Commission, to take immediate steps to secure justice and provide protection and support for the affected students.

The organisation, through its Convenor, Akosua K. Darkwah said it would continue to monitor the case and support the students of Obuasi SHTS and survivors of sexual violence until justice is achieved.

Mike 105.3 FM I Navrongo | David Adapuna

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