Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, has called for a comprehensive investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), questioning the response of state authorities and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to the controversy.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the Minority Women’s Caucus demanded accountability over the handling of allegations against the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, insisting that the safety and welfare of the affected students must take precedence over political considerations.

The statement, signed by Appiagyei, cited reports by JoyNews indicating that at least 19 girls had come forward with allegations of sexual abuse involving the headmaster.

It stressed, however, that Abdulai was entitled to a fair investigation and the presumption of innocence, while maintaining that the students were equally entitled to protection, a fair hearing and a thorough investigation of their complaints.

“The girls are entitled to protection, to be heard and to have their complaints properly investigated. Those duties cannot wait for a conviction,” the statement said.

Minority Questions Police Handling of Complaints

The Minority Women’s Caucus acknowledged the interdiction of the headmaster and the announcement by the Interior Minister on October 20 that he had been arrested.

However, it questioned whether the authorities had acted promptly after the allegations first emerged and demanded answers about when officials became aware of the complaints and what measures were taken to protect the students.

According to the statement, the police had indicated that a complaint lodged on August 4 had been investigated and the docket forwarded to the Attorney-General.

The Caucus expressed concern that, despite reports involving at least 19 girls, the police's public explanation on October 20 suggested that only one complaint had been investigated.

It urged the authorities to proactively and sensitively reach out to the other alleged victims rather than leave frightened students to navigate the investigative process on their own.

The group further demanded an investigation into whether any complaints had been ignored, suppressed or transferred between offices without effective action to safeguard the students.

It argued that any officials found to have neglected their responsibilities must be identified and held accountable.

“A suspension announced after public exposure cannot settle the question of earlier institutional failure,” the statement added.

Appiagyei Questions NDC Over Headmaster’s Political Ambitions

The Deputy Minority Leader also directed her criticism at the NDC, questioning the party’s initial response to the allegations against Abdulai.

The statement recalled that, on October 19, the party’s Deputy General Secretary defended the decision to allow the headmaster to contest the Juaben constituency chairmanship despite the allegations.

However, a day later, on October 20, the party directed him to step aside.

While acknowledging the reversal, the Minority Women’s Caucus argued that the party’s earlier decision raised serious questions about its priorities and the seriousness with which it treated the allegations.

“The party found time to hear its official and considered his political ambitions. What comparable urgency did it show for the girls?” the statement questioned.

The Caucus called on the NDC leadership to explain its handling of the matter and demanded an independent investigation into any suggestion that political influence had been used to delay action or shield the headmaster.

It warned that anyone found to have used political office to suppress complaints or obstruct investigations must be held accountable.

The statement also criticised what it described as troubling priorities in the handling of sexual abuse allegations involving schoolgirls, contrasting the authorities' response with the controversy surrounding arrests linked to criticism of the government.

It argued that the state must demonstrate equal, if not greater, urgency in protecting students who report violations of their bodies and dignity.

Minority Women’s Caucus Issues Four Demands to Government

The Minority Women’s Caucus outlined four key demands, insisting that decisive action was necessary to establish the facts, protect the alleged victims and prevent similar incidents in schools.

First, it called for a thorough investigation into every allegation, prompt advice from the Attorney-General on the submitted docket and prosecution wherever the evidence warrants it.

It also demanded regular public updates that would neither compromise the identities of complainants nor undermine the integrity of the investigation.

Second, the Caucus called for immediate protection, counselling, medical care and legal assistance for the affected students.

It insisted that their identities must remain confidential and that any intimidation or retaliation against them must be investigated promptly.

Third, it demanded an independent inquiry into the handling of earlier complaints, including allegations of possible political interference.

The inquiry, it said, must identify officials responsible for any failures and recommend appropriate sanctions while protecting the identities of students in any published report.

Fourth, the group called on the responsible ministers to make a statement to Parliament detailing the chronology of events, actions taken by the relevant authorities and measures being implemented to protect students.

It also proposed the establishment of confidential reporting channels in schools that operate independently of any headteacher accused of abuse.

Caucus Pledges Parliamentary Oversight

The Minority Women’s Caucus commended the students who spoke out, their families, investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, JoyNews and the Asante Youth Association for their efforts in demanding accountability.

It pledged to continue pursuing parliamentary oversight and keeping the matter in the public spotlight until the necessary action is taken.

Addressing the students and their families, the Caucus expressed solidarity with them, stressing that no student should have to struggle to have allegations of abuse heard and investigated.

The group maintained that the government must account for any institutional failures, while the NDC must explain its decisions concerning the headmaster’s political ambitions.

It further insisted that anyone found to have abused a student, concealed a complaint or obstructed justice must face the consequences.

The statement concluded with a call for justice and protection for the affected students, emphasising that accountability must extend to every individual found to have failed in their duty.

Meanwhile, the allegations remain under investigation, and Mr Abdulai is entitled to the presumption of innocence until any criminal liability is established through due process.

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