The former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, has condemned the alleged sexual abuse of female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) and urged a thorough investigation, immediate support for affected students and accountability for any culpable parties.
Newman’s statement, released after investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni brought the claims to light in a JoyNews documentary, described the allegations as “deeply distressing” and warned that, if proven, they would represent “a heinous betrayal of the trust that students, parents and the nation place in those responsible for education.”
The former minister welcomed the headmaster’s removal from duty pending investigations and the referral of the matter to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service, but stressed that these steps should only be the beginning of a comprehensive response.
She noted that the headmaster maintains his innocence and that a prior Ghana Education Service inquiry reportedly did not substantiate the allegations. “Each allegation must be examined fairly and on its evidence, without prejudging guilt or dismissing students’ accounts,” Newman said, adding that “due process and the protection of students are not competing obligations; both must be upheld.”
Newman called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, education authorities, police and social welfare services to provide counselling, health services, family support and measures to ensure that the students’ education is not disrupted while investigations continue.
She urged investigators to examine how previous complaints were handled, including whether officials failed in their duties, pressured families to withdraw complaints or obstructed efforts to seek help. Anyone found to have intimidated complainants or knowingly neglected responsibilities must be held accountable.
The former minister also demanded safe reporting channels outside any chain of authority implicated in a complaint, protection against retaliation for students, parents and staff who speak up, and a review of safeguarding arrangements in schools, particularly boarding institutions.
As the investigation proceeds, stakeholders will watch closely to see whether the allegations are substantiated and whether the promised support and accountability measures are implemented.
