The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to suspend the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, pending investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female student.

The directive was announced in a statement issued by the Ministry of Education on Tuesday, October 13, following an investigative report by JoyNews and journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni that brought the allegations to public attention.

According to the ministry, Mr Iddrisu considers the matter serious and has instructed the Director-General of the GES to take immediate steps to suspend the headmaster while a full investigation is conducted.

The minister has also requested the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service to commence investigations into the allegations.

The development has drawn attention to concerns about student safety and the responsibility of school authorities to protect students entrusted to their care.

Ministry Calls for Accountability

In the statement, the Ministry of Education and the GES reiterated that alleged sexual misconduct would not be tolerated in any educational institution across the country.

The ministry emphasised that teachers and school administrators have a duty to protect students and maintain safe learning environments.

It further noted that parents and guardians entrust their children to educators with the expectation that they will safeguard their welfare rather than abuse that trust.

The directive signals the government's intention to pursue both administrative and police investigations into the matter.

Police Investigation Expected

The involvement of the CID is expected to help establish the facts surrounding the allegations and determine whether any criminal offence may have occurred.

The administrative process within the GES will proceed alongside the police investigation, with the headmaster's suspension intended to remain in place pending the outcome of the inquiries.

The ministry has not announced a final finding against Mr Abdulai, and the allegations have not been established as proven facts.

Student Protection in Focus

The case has renewed attention on safeguarding measures in Ghanaian schools and the need for effective procedures to receive, investigate and address allegations of misconduct involving students.

Education authorities are expected to ensure that students can report concerns through appropriate channels and that allegations are handled promptly and fairly.

The outcome of the investigations will be important in determining the appropriate administrative or legal action, if warranted.

For now, the Education Minister has directed steps towards the headmaster's suspension and requested a police investigation, while the facts of the case remain subject to formal inquiry.

Photo courtesy: Obuasi Sec Tech