Coalition condemns alleged sexual misconduct at Obuasi SHTS, calls for urgent action

The Coalition of Parents of Students in Private Institutions (COPOSIPI) has expressed grave concern over allegations of sexual misconduct involving Abdulai Zakaria, the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High/Technical School (SHTS).

The Coalition is therefore calling for urgent, impartial investigations and appropriate action in accordance with the law.

In a statement signed by Dr Simon Gbene, the Executive Secretary of COPOSIPI, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, the statement said the safety, dignity, and welfare of every student, particularly girls, must be non-negotiable.

It said any teacher or school administrator found to have engaged in sexual abuse or exploitation of students must face the full consequences of the law, stressing that such conduct had no place in Ghana’s educational institutions.

They, therefore, called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take immediate steps to protect students, ensure due process, and strengthen safeguarding measures in both public and private schools.

The group further urged the GES to conduct a comprehensive audit of schools to identify safeguarding gaps, investigate credible allegations of abuse, and remove individuals found guilty of such misconduct from positions where they could endanger children.

The statement said, “COPOSIPI is prepared to pursue all lawful avenues, including seeking a mandamus order from the appropriate court, where legally justified, to compel the relevant authorities to discharge their statutory responsibilities in protecting students.”

“To our girls and all students across the country, we want to assure you that your safety matters,” it said.

It added that COPOSIPI would continue to advocate safe learning environments where every student could pursue an education free from abuse, intimidation, and exploitation.

“Our children are not bargaining chips. Our schools must be places of learning, protection, and hope, not fear and exploitation,” it indicated.

The statement encouraged students and parents to report suspected abuse through safe, appropriate channels.