Obuasi Senior High Technical School in Crisis: MP Demands Justice as Abuse Allegations Reach 19 Students

Salaga South Member of Parliament Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah has issued a stark warning about conditions at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), describing the institution as a "big crime scene" after the number of students alleging sexual abuse by the school's suspended headteacher has grown to 19. The escalation follows the recent release of investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni's documentary, "Inside the Dreaded Headmaster's Bungalow," which prompted additional victims to come forward.

Speaking on JoyNews's current affairs programme The Pulse, the Vice-Chairperson of Parliament's Gender, Children and Social Welfare Committee expressed deep concern about the school's safety record and the apparent failure of authorities to act decisively. "The school is not a place where mothers want their daughters to go," Ibrahimah stated, highlighting the erosion of trust in an institution where parents entrust their children's welfare and education.

A System That Failed the Girls

One of the most troubling aspects of the scandal, according to the MP, is the apparent complicity of those in authority. Ibrahimah accused education officials, administrators and other authorities who received complaints from the affected students of failing to take necessary action. "Society conspired to deny these girls justice and to enable the predatory work of this headteacher," she said, pointing to a systemic breakdown in child protection mechanisms.

The MP specifically questioned why the headteacher remained at large rather than facing arrest, noting that suspension by the Ghana Education Service appeared to be the only consequence he had faced thus far. She expressed concern that he had allegedly been able to return to his community while legal processes remained pending, potentially allowing him to evade accountability.

Despite criticism of authorities, Ibrahimah praised the courage of the students themselves, many of whom submitted formal petitions to education directors and local government officials before coming forward publicly. "I celebrate their courage and I celebrate them," she said, acknowledging the vulnerability required to report abuse and pursue justice.

Why It Matters for Ghana

This scandal reflects broader concerns about child safety in Ghana's educational system and the mechanisms designed to protect vulnerable students. Schools are meant to be safe havens where children develop academically and socially, yet cases of abuse by authority figures highlight gaps in institutional oversight, reporting protocols and follow-up actions.

The case raises critical questions about accountability at all levels—from headteachers and school management to regional education directorates and local government bodies. When allegations surface, the speed and seriousness of institutional response can either facilitate justice or inadvertently protect perpetrators. The Obuasi situation suggests that reporting channels may exist on paper but lack the enforcement and urgency needed in practice.

For parents across Ghana, the incident underscores the importance of open communication with children about their school experiences and the need for stronger oversight of boarding schools where supervision is necessarily different from day institutions. For policymakers, it highlights the urgent need to strengthen training for education officials on handling abuse reports and to ensure that suspensions are followed by thorough investigations and appropriate legal action.

The documentary's role in prompting additional students to come forward also demonstrates the power of investigative journalism in uncovering institutional failings that authorities may otherwise obscure or minimise.