The sexual abuse allegations involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, have sparked public outrage, with interesting accounts from the accused, students, authorities and media reports.

The controversy centres on allegations of sexual harassment and rape, claims of a cover-up, and questions about how school authorities handled complaints before the matter became public.

Headmaster denies allegations, alleges conspiracy

According to a report by JoyNews on Tuesday, October 20 2026, Zakaria Abdulai, the headmaster at the centre of the controversy, has denied the allegations of sexual harassment and rape, insisting that he did not know some of the students who have accused him.

How prominent female leaders, activists reacted to Obuasi SHTS saga

He admitted giving money, including GH¢100, to a student but maintained that it was intended to cover medical expenses.

He also alleged that some teachers were plotting to remove him from office by coaching students, recording their voices and fabricating petitions against him.

The headmaster subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit against the lead investigative journalist and withdrew from his bid to become the NDC constituency chairman, saying he wanted to “clear his name”.

Victims allege sexual abuse and intimidation

A report by JoyNews on Sunday, October 18, 2026, says about 19 female students have reportedly made allegations against the headmaster, describing incidents they claim occurred over a period of more than two years.

According to their accounts, some students were invited to his campus bungalow under the pretext of performing chores or cooking before allegedly being subjected to inappropriate touching and sexual abuse.

One account stated that a student was slapped, held by the neck and repeatedly raped after refusing his advances.

Some victims and their families have also alleged that they faced threats, shame and pressure to withdraw their complaints.

Education Ministry and GES take action

According to a report by GhanaWeb on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has described the allegations as “serious” and directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to interdict Zakaria Abdulai.

The GES also directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education and the Obuasi East Municipal Director of Education to step aside to prevent possible interference in the investigation.

Police investigate as government calls for justice

The Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested Abdulai and collected DNA evidence as part of its investigations. The case docket was subsequently forwarded to the Attorney-General for legal advice.

Police also arrested some students and two teachers over their alleged involvement in an August riot during which the headmaster was assaulted and his property vandalised.

Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has stressed the seriousness of the matter, insisting that the law must take its course without political interference.

Media investigations raise cover-up concerns

On Thursday October 15 2026, Investigative journalist with Multimedia, Manasseh Azure Awuni, premiered a documentary highlighting the allegation, which has attracted criticism from the public and stakeholders.

Their investigations raised concerns that school management, traditional leaders, security officials and education authorities had received complaints months or years before decisive action was taken.

The reports have intensified scrutiny of student protection systems and the response of institutions responsible for safeguarding students.

Abdulai has denied the allegations, while investigations and legal processes are expected to establish the facts of the case.

NA/VPO