The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender, Children and Social Welfare has cautioned against interference in investigations into alleged sexual abuse involving students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), insisting that no individual should be shielded from accountability.
In a statement issued on October 23, 2026, and signed by its Chairperson, Hon. Helen Adjoa Ntoso, the Committee stressed that while every accused person is entitled to due process and presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court, such protections must not be used to justify inaction or obstruct lawful investigations.
The Committee said no position, political affiliation or institutional interest should place any individual beyond scrutiny or above the law.
The statement follows allegations brought to public attention through journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni’s investigative documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, which has triggered calls for accountability and stronger child protection measures.
The Committee emphasised that the immediate safety and welfare of affected students must remain paramount, urging the relevant authorities to provide confidential counselling, appropriate medical care and other necessary support.
It also called for students, families, witnesses and whistle-blowers to be protected from intimidation, retaliation and stigmatisation.
The Committee appealed to the media and the public to safeguard the identities, privacy and dignity of affected children and refrain from circulating material that could expose them to further harm.
It further commended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for directing the suspended Obuasi SHTS Headmaster, Mr Zakaria Abdulai, to step aside from the Juaben Constituency chairmanship contest pending the police investigation.
The Committee also noted his subsequent resignation as Juaben Constituency Secretary and withdrawal from the contest, describing the developments as reinforcing the principle that political office must not shield anyone from scrutiny.
However, it maintained that the determination of the allegations remains the responsibility of the appropriate authorities.
The Committee also commended Manasseh Azure Awuni and the journalistic team behind the documentary, noting that responsible investigative journalism plays an important role in exposing suspected wrongdoing and prompting institutions to account for the protection of vulnerable children.
Beyond the ongoing case, the Committee called for a comprehensive review of safeguarding and complaints-handling arrangements in schools.
It said children must have safe, accessible and confidential channels to report abuse, supported by clear procedures for prompt referral, independent investigation and effective action.
The Committee added that any weaknesses that allow complaints to be ignored, suppressed or mishandled must be identified and addressed.
Reaffirming its commitment to parliamentary oversight, the Committee said it stood with the affected students and their families and remained committed to ensuring that every child could pursue an education in a safe and respectful environment.
It stressed that child protection must remain a priority, due process must be upheld, the truth must be established, and anyone found responsible must face the full consequences of the law.
By: Bernard Mensah
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