Soroptimist International Ghana has expressed deep concern over the alleged sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS). The organisation, a global service group focused on educating, empowering, and enabling women and girls, released a joint statement on October 28, 2026, signed by its club presidents nationwide. They stated that they watched the documentary exposing the abuse with profound distress and called for immediate action to ensure justice for the affected students.
The allegations of sexual abuse were brought to light by an investigative documentary titled "Inside the Dreaded Headmaster's Bungalow" by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni. The documentary reports serious allegations of rape and sexual assault against the school's Headmaster, Mr. Zakaria Abdulai. According to the documentary, female students were allegedly lured to the headmaster's bungalow, abused, and threatened into silence. Earlier reports made by students and the Girl Child Coordinator were allegedly not acted upon.
Soroptimist International Ghana emphasised that Mr. Abdulai has not been found guilty and that the allegations are currently under investigation by the Ghana Police Service's CID and DOVVSU. The organisation noted that he is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. They clarified this to ensure that the legal process is respected and that no premature conclusions are drawn.
The organisation outlined three key demands in response to the allegations. Firstly, they called for immediate psychosocial support, legal aid, protection from retaliation, and strict confidentiality for the victims. They expressed solidarity with the students of Obuasi SHTS, emphasising that their call for safety protects all children, not just girls. This support aims to create a safe environment for the victims to seek help and justice.
Soroptimist International Ghana welcomed the interdiction of the headmaster by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the referral of the case to the CID by the Minister of Education. They urged DOVVSU, CID, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, CHRAJ, and the Legal Aid Commission to ensure a swift, victim-sensitive investigation and prosecution if evidence warrants it. This thorough investigation is crucial to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice.
The organisation also called for systemic reforms to prevent such incidents in the future. They joined NETRIGHT and other women's rights groups in urging the Ministry of Education and GES to prosecute and permanently bar any adult who has sexual contact with a learner. Additionally, they advocated for an end to the practice of transferring accused teachers, prohibiting the use of students as domestic help in staff homes, publishing data on sexual misconduct in schools, and ensuring every school has a trained Officer in charge of Child Protection and Safeguarding.
Soroptimist International Ghana appealed to the media and the public to treat victims with dignity and refrain from revealing the identities of alleged victims. They stated that they will continue to monitor the case and stand with the students of Obuasi SHTS and all survivors of sexual violence until justice is served. The statement was jointly signed by the presidents of various Soroptimist International Ghana clubs, including Dedo Mate-Kodjo, Vivien Akumia, Googie Nunoo, and Dr. Lady Baaba Allotey.
Key points
- Soroptimist International Ghana demands immediate psychosocial support, legal aid, and protection for the victims.
- The organisation calls for a thorough investigation and prosecution of the alleged sexual abuse.
- Systemic reforms are urged to prevent future incidents of sexual abuse in schools.
