The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Women’s Wing has staged a demonstration in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, demanding justice for 19 students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) allegedly sexually abused by the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.
The protest, held under the theme “Justice for Our Girls,” seeks accountability over the allegations and stronger measures to protect students against sexual abuse and other forms of misconduct in educational institutions.
The demonstrators, led by the party’s National Women’s Organiser, Mavis Hawa Koomson, called on President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno and the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, to ensure that the affected students receive justice.
Addressing the protest, Hawa Koomson stressed the need for the country’s leadership to protect the students and restore their confidence in the institutions.
She stated, “These girls will never forgive us as a country if we fail them. It is their future, and we need to protect them. They must have confidence in Ghanaians and their leaders”.
The NPP Women’s Wing demonstration also attracted the NPP’s Second Vice Chairman, Nana Boakye, General Secretary Justin Frimpong Koduah and other members of the party’s Women’s Wing.
The suspended Obuasi headmaster is facing allegations of rape, sexual harassment and sexual assault involving the female students.
The sexual abuse claims have triggered widespread public concern and renewed calls for stronger safeguarding measures in schools.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service have initiated steps to address the matter.
However, the NPP Women’s Wing is insisting that more decisive action is needed to ensure accountability and protect the affected students.
Meanwhile, the Gender Minister has raised an alarm concerning the girls allegedly sexually abused at Obuasi Senior High and Technical School (SHTS).
According to the Gender Minister, families of girls allegedly sexually abused are facing further distress as they seek justice for the alleged victims.
She disclosed that the situation had worsened the psychological trauma of some of the girls, with some of the girls having suicidal thoughts.
The Gender Minister further expressed concern that, instead of receiving support, some families were being blamed and subjected to public scrutiny following the allegations.
She further disclosed that some families of alleged victims are considering relocating over stigma.
Speaking during a community engagement in Obuasi, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey stated, “There is an incident where one of the girls doesn’t want to return to school or engage in any activity in life anymore. She has regretted telling her story and blaming herself. Most of them are harbouring suicidal thoughts”.
“Some families are considering relocation because people are pointing fingers at them. People are rather victimising them instead of supporting them,” she added.
Also, the Gender Minister disclosed that seven families of alleged victims of the Obuasi SHTS headmaster are preparing to press charges amid reported threats, intimidation and blackmail.
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