The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the immediate suspension of Zakaria Abdulai, Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School in the Ashanti Region, following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female student.
The headmaster is expected to remain suspended pending investigations into the allegations, which have attracted public attention following an investigative report by JoyNews and journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
According to an official statement issued by Hashmin Mohammed, Press Secretary to the Education Minister, Mr Iddrisu has instructed the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take immediate steps to suspend the school administrator while investigations continue.
The directive forms part of efforts by the Ministry of Education to address the allegations and ensure accountability within Ghana’s educational institutions.
Ghana Education Minister Requests Police Investigation
In addition to the suspension directive, Haruna Iddrisu has requested the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service to commence investigations into the alleged sexual misconduct.
The involvement of the police is expected to help establish the facts surrounding the allegations and determine whether any criminal offence may have occurred.
The Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service have stressed that allegations of misconduct involving students must be treated seriously, particularly when they concern the safety and welfare of children in educational institutions.
The investigation follows concerns raised in the report published by JoyNews and Manasseh Azure Awuni, which prompted action from the Education Ministry.
Ministry of Education Warns Against Student Abuse
The Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its position that sexual misconduct and abuse will not be tolerated or condoned in any school across Ghana.
The statement emphasised that parents and guardians entrust their children to teachers and school administrators with the expectation that they will provide protection, guidance and a safe learning environment.
According to the Ministry, educators have a responsibility to safeguard students rather than expose them to abuse or other forms of misconduct.
The Ministry and the GES have reiterated their commitment to promoting discipline, professional conduct and accountability among teachers and school administrators.
Ghana Education Service Expected to Ensure Student Safety
The latest directive highlights the government’s commitment to addressing allegations of misconduct within Ghana’s education sector and strengthening student protection in schools.
The Ministry of Education has maintained that educational institutions must remain safe spaces where students can pursue their academic goals without fear of abuse, exploitation or intimidation.
As investigations proceed, the relevant authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations and take appropriate action based on the findings.
The case has renewed public attention on student safety, teacher accountability and the need for effective safeguarding measures in senior high schools across Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com