The Belgium Branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for a full, independent and transparent investigation into allegations of sexual abuse, including rape, levelled against the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Mr Zakaria Abdulai.
The call follows reports by JoyNews on the alleged abuse, which the party branch says raises serious concerns about the safety of students and the effectiveness of safeguarding systems in Ghana’s second-cycle educational institutions.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Andrews Kwame Perprem, the NPP Belgium Branch said schools must remain safe environments where students receive education, guidance and protection rather than face abuse, intimidation or exploitation.
It expressed concern that the allegations, if established, could point to both individual misconduct and possible institutional failures in protecting vulnerable students.
The branch said any evidence that complaints had been ignored, suppressed or inadequately investigated must be thoroughly examined, with all persons found responsible held accountable under Ghanaian law.
It stressed that child protection was a national responsibility that should transcend partisan politics, warning that the use of public office, political influence or institutional authority to shield wrongdoing would undermine accountability and justice.
Calls for Prosecution and Victim Support
The NPP Belgium Branch outlined seven demands, including an independent investigation into all the allegations and the prosecution of anyone found culpable.
It said the investigation should cover not only individuals directly implicated in criminal conduct but also anyone found to have aided, concealed or failed to report offences, where such conduct constitutes an offence under the law.
The branch also called for measures to protect victims, witnesses and whistleblowers against intimidation or retaliation.
It urged the relevant authorities to provide immediate psychosocial support and trauma counselling for affected students to help them cope with the consequences of the alleged abuse.
Additionally, it called for any affected student requiring a transfer to another school to be relocated at no cost to the family.
Demands Nationwide Safeguarding Review
Beyond the specific allegations at Obuasi SHTS, the branch called for a nationwide review of safeguarding systems across second-cycle institutions to identify weaknesses and strengthen protections for students.
It also advocated the introduction or strengthening of confidential reporting mechanisms to enable students to report abuse without fear of stigma, intimidation or victimisation.
According to the statement, the handling of the matter would test Ghana’s commitment to child protection, gender justice, human rights and accountable governance.
The branch expressed solidarity with victims of sexual abuse and commended those who had spoken out despite the fear and stigma often associated with such cases.
It urged state institutions to act decisively and without delay to ensure that the allegations receive the necessary attention and that appropriate action is taken based on the outcome of investigations.
“Ghana’s children are our future. Their safety must never be compromised,” the statement said.
The allegations against the headmaster remain subject to investigation, and any determination of criminal responsibility must follow due process.