The Ghana Education Service (GES) has recommended the reposting of Abdulai Zakaria, headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), and other staff members implicated in the August 5, 2026, campus riot.
The recommendation is intended to restore peace, improve school security and promote discipline at the technical school.
The violent incident reportedly involved students physically assaulting the headmaster and vandalising property at his official bungalow. Six students suspected of participating in the riot and attack were arrested by the police as investigations into the incident continued.
GES Takes Action Following Obuasi SHTS Campus Riot
According to Dr Issahaque Munawaru, Deputy Director-General of GES in charge of Quality and Access, a committee was established to examine the professional and administrative aspects of the disturbance, while the police handled the criminal investigation.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Dr Munawaru said the committee had submitted its report to GES headquarters, where officials were reviewing its findings and recommendations.
The report reportedly contained approximately 27 to 28 recommendations, including a proposal under Recommendation 23 for the headmaster and other staff members to be reposted to different institutions or duty stations in the interest of the service.
The committee also recommended that teachers, non-teaching staff and students whose conduct raised reasonable concerns during the investigation be referred to the appropriate disciplinary authorities.
Additionally, the report called for the dissolution of informal student groups and associations to strengthen school discipline and prevent future disturbances.
Obuasi SHTS Headmaster Suspended Over Sexual Abuse Allegations
Separately, the Ghana Education Service has suspended Abdulai Zakaria following allegations that he sexually abused some female students of the school. The suspension was imposed in accordance with a directive from the Ministry of Education, pending comprehensive investigations into the allegations.
The claims have attracted public attention following a documentary in which some alleged victims reportedly recounted their experiences.
Dr Munawaru stated that any school official found culpable of sexual misconduct would face dismissal. He stressed that the GES would take disciplinary action against staff members where investigations established wrongdoing.
He also clarified that the portions of the committee report he had reviewed did not contain explicit findings of culpability regarding the sexual abuse allegations. However, he cautioned that this did not necessarily mean the report contained no such findings, noting that GES headquarters could review or vary a regional committee’s conclusions where justified.
The committee further recommended stronger reporting mechanisms for sexual harassment, including training designated school officials to handle complaints confidentially and promptly in accordance with GES safeguarding policies.
Six Students Arrested After Violent School Disturbance
The August 5 incident reportedly began after some students accused the headmaster of engaging in alleged ritual activities on the school campus.
Information gathered indicated that a student allegedly raised an alarm after claiming to have seen the headmaster’s vehicle near the school’s refuse dump, where students subsequently claimed to have discovered a freshly buried baby.
The allegations triggered a confrontation, during which some students reportedly assaulted the headmaster before entering his bungalow and destroying household property. A Toyota RAV4 with registration number AC 127-23 was among the items reportedly damaged.
The headmaster sustained multiple injuries and was admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi for medical treatment.
Police intervention helped restore order and prevent the violence from escalating further, although reports indicated that additional school property was damaged during the disturbance.
The claims about the alleged discovery and ritual activities remain allegations and should not be treated as established facts without confirmation from the relevant investigations.
GES Committee Recommends Stronger School Safeguarding Measures
Beyond the proposed staff transfers and disciplinary referrals, the committee recommended measures to improve student welfare, strengthen school security and address sexual harassment complaints.
The proposed reforms include improving confidential reporting channels, ensuring prompt handling of complaints and reinforcing compliance with the Ghana Education Service’s safeguarding policies.
Dr Munawaru also disclosed that the GES Council had approved approximately 15 dismissals in October 2026 in connection with sexual harassment cases dating back to 2021.
He explained that dismissal differs from termination of service, particularly regarding the employment consequences and benefits available to affected officers.
The next steps in the Obuasi SHTS case will depend on instructions from the GES Director-General following the review of the committee’s findings.
The outcome of the investigations is expected to guide further disciplinary decisions and determine what additional measures may be necessary to restore confidence, safety and effective administration at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
Source: newsthemegh.com