The Gender Minister, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, 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.
Meanwhile, Zakaria Abdulai, the suspended Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, has revealed that he has been cautioned and granted self-recognisance bail by the Police.
His comment follows the Interior Minister, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, revealing that Zakaria Abdulai was arrested over sexual misconduct allegations.
According to Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka. the case had been transferred from the regional level to Police Headquarters for investigation.
The Interior Minister said the matter came to his attention on September 7, when the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) received a report.
He revealed that he subsequently requested that the investigation be handled at the national level.
“We’ve been able to get one of the ladies; maybe I shouldn’t be putting so much information out. About semen, we are getting DNA… So, what is happening is that this gentleman has been arrested. He’s going through the due process,” the Minister said.
The Interior Minister explained that investigators were considering DNA evidence but would require a court order before collecting DNA samples, in accordance with the law.
Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka stressed that the headmaster was presumed innocent until proven guilty and said he would have the opportunity to respond to the allegations as the investigation continued.
Speaking in an interview with Radio Show Host Blakk Rasta, Zakaria Abdulai stated, “I have been cautioned because one girl and her parents said I have raped her. So they reported, I was cautioned, and as a headmaster I was given self-recognisance bail. I’m waiting for court days”.
“If I give you the turn of events for this particular girl who is claiming I have raped her, you’ll be shocked”, he added.
When asked by Blakk Rasta if she is a bad girl, he stated, “I don’t know her, but I know she has given birth; she has a child. But I cannot judge her whether she is bad or good.
But I have my story, and the committee that did the investigation have heard my story as against the girl and her people”.
Watch the video below:
Seven families of alleged victims of the Obuasi SHTS headmaster are preparing to press charges amid reported threats, intimidation and blackmail. The families say the threats, are casting a shadow over their quest for justice as the Gender ministry works with National Security to protect the victims and pursue those allegedly behind the threats and blackmail. #JoyNews
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) October 27, 2026
