The Parliament of Ghana’s Committee on Human Rights has strongly condemned allegations of sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), following an investigative report by Joy News that exposed disturbing claims of misconduct at the institution.
In a statement issued in Accra, the Committee described the alleged acts as a serious violation of children’s rights and stressed that such conduct is contrary to Sections 2 and 13 of Ghana’s Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), as well as Article 34 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
The Committee emphasised that all students deserve protection from sexual abuse, exploitation and other forms of misconduct, particularly within educational institutions where their safety and welfare should be a priority.
Obuasi SHTS Headmaster Suspended Over Sexual Abuse Allegations
The Human Rights Committee commended the Minister of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) for their swift response to the allegations, including the interdiction of Obuasi Senior High Technical School headmaster Zakaria Abdulai and the suspension of another housemaster.
The Committee also welcomed the commencement of a police investigation into the reported incident, calling for a thorough and transparent process to establish the facts and ensure accountability.
It urged school authorities, administrators, teachers and non-teaching staff across Ghana’s senior high schools and other educational institutions to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics, discipline and moral responsibility.
According to the Committee, safeguarding students’ welfare and protecting children from abuse must remain a central responsibility of everyone working within Ghana’s education sector.
Human Rights Committee Calls for Speedy Justice
The Committee has appealed to the justice system to expedite the investigation and prosecution of the case, stressing the importance of ensuring that justice is served.
It further called for the maximum lawful punishment if the accused headmaster is found guilty, arguing that appropriate sanctions could serve as a deterrent to potential offenders and help prevent similar incidents in schools.
However, the Committee’s call for punishment is subject to the outcome of the legal process and the establishment of guilt by a competent court.
Ghana Parliament to Monitor Investigation and Prosecution
The Committee on Human Rights has pledged to monitor developments in the investigation and prosecution as part of its parliamentary oversight responsibilities.
It also expressed hope that the incident would lead to a review of relevant policies and safeguarding procedures to strengthen child protection across Ghanaian educational institutions.
The Committee maintained that every child has the fundamental right to education in a safe and supportive environment, free from sexual abuse, exploitation, intimidation and other threats to their dignity.
The allegations at Obuasi Senior High Technical School have renewed attention on student safety, teacher accountability, child protection laws and the need for stronger safeguarding measures in Ghana’s schools.
Source: newsthemegh.com