Obuasi Headmaster Still at Large Despite Sexual Abuse Allegations, Says Investigative Journalist

Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has raised fresh concerns about the handling of sexual abuse allegations against Zakaria Abdulai, the suspended headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, claiming the accused continues to move freely despite the gravity of the charges.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile programme on Saturday, Awuni stated that as of his knowledge, Abdulai had not been detained and was able to move around following police engagement. He noted that when he left Obuasi on 25 August, the headmaster had not been arrested, and subsequently appeared to have been granted self-recognisance bail after walking into a police station.

The Allegations and Investigation

The controversy stems from Awuni's investigative report titled "Inside the Dreaded Headmaster's Bungalow," which detailed allegations of sexual abuse involving female students at the school. One case involves a 20-year-old student who alleged that Abdulai raped her at his official residence on campus on 25 July. The student reported the incident to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit in Obuasi on 4 August, accompanied by her father, and alleged the headmaster gave her GH¢100 to keep quiet.

According to Awuni, police contacted the father of one alleged victim and attempted to encourage a private settlement of the matter, though the father refused. Awuni also claimed that Abdulai had been in Accra recently to meet with the NDC Functional Executive, further suggesting continued freedom of movement.

The journalist recounted that the headmaster had been attacked by rioting students on 4 August, and this incident was being used as justification to allow him time to recover, rather than detain him.

Official Response and Current Status

Following the investigative revelations, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu directed the Ghana Education Service to suspend Abdulai and referred the matter to the Criminal Investigations Department. Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak disclosed on 20 October that the headmaster had been arrested in connection with the allegations, though this appears to contradict Awuni's recent claims about his freedom.

Police investigations have included efforts to obtain DNA evidence, and the case docket has been forwarded to the Attorney-General's Office for advice. Abdulai has denied wrongdoing and claimed he was cautioned and granted self-recognisance bail. He has also resigned as Juaben Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress and withdrawn from the constituency chairmanship race.

Why it Matters for Ghana

This case highlights critical gaps in Ghana's institutional response to sexual abuse allegations in educational settings. The apparent disparity between official statements about Abdulai's arrest and claims of his continued freedom raises questions about transparency in law enforcement and the protection of victims. The allegation that police attempted to facilitate a private settlement—rather than pursue a criminal investigation—suggests systemic failures in how abuse cases are handled.

For Ghanaian families and students, the case underscores vulnerability within the education system and the need for stronger safeguarding mechanisms. Previous complaints about Abdulai reportedly went unaddressed by school and education officials for months, indicating that institutional oversight at the Ghana Education Service level requires urgent reform. The involvement of high-level political figures—including the Interior Minister and NDC leadership—also points to the politicisation of what should be a straightforward criminal matter, potentially compromising justice for the alleged victims.