Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights has called for expedited investigations into the Obuasi SHTS abuse allegations, urging the Criminal Investigations Department and Attorney-General to act promptly while protecting the rights of the students involved.
In a statement dated October 21 and signed by Committee Chairman and Kumawu MP Ernest Yaw Anim, the Committee expressed concern over reports that 19 female students had come forward with allegations involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
The Committee acknowledged the reported arrest of the headmaster and submission of a case docket to the Attorney-General.
“We call on the Criminal Investigations Department and the Attorney-General to expedite all necessary investigative and prosecutorial processes,” the statement said.
It stressed that prosecution should follow where the available evidence provides sufficient grounds, while due process must be respected.
Students Need Immediate Support
Beyond the criminal investigation, the Committee wants the Ministries of Education and Gender, Children and Social Protection to provide psychological counselling and psychosocial assistance to affected students.
It also called for protection against intimidation, stigma and retaliation, saying the students’ privacy, dignity and educational welfare must remain central throughout the process.
The allegations remain under investigation and have not been established in court.
Officials Who Failed to Act Face Scrutiny
The Committee also wants an impartial investigation into officials who may have received earlier complaints but failed to respond appropriately.
Any failure of duty established through due process, it said, should attract the necessary accountability measures.
It further urged the Ghana Education Service to strengthen confidential reporting systems so students can report sexual misconduct without fear.
“The safety of students is a fundamental human rights obligation,” the Committee said, adding that schools must remain places where children can learn without fear.
The Committee said it would continue monitoring the case and push for stronger safeguards against sexual abuse in educational institutions.
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