The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has assured journalists and whistleblowers involved in exposing the alleged sexual abuse of 19 female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) of government protection.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, October 26, 2026, Iddrisu specifically mentioned investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, commending his work in bringing the allegations against the school's suspended headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, to public attention.

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“We will get trauma-informed support for victims, including the 19 affected students. We will protect whistleblowers and safeguard them, including journalists, including Manasseh Azure Awuni, and many others,” he said.

The allegations against Mr Abdulai have sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect students from sexual abuse in educational institutions.

Iddrisu said the matter would be handled through the appropriate administrative and legal processes, stressing the need for accountability and sustained action.

He assured the public that the case would not be allowed to fade away without the necessary steps being taken.

The minister also outlined plans to strengthen student protection systems in schools, including the introduction of confidential reporting channels that would allow students to report abuse without having to go through their headteachers.

A proposed hotline is also expected to provide another avenue for reporting suspected abuse and misconduct in schools.

The Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) are expected to take the necessary steps to improve safeguarding measures, support affected students and ensure allegations of abuse receive the attention they deserve.

The minister further stressed the importance of protecting people who speak out against misconduct, particularly those who help bring such cases to light.

The controversy follows an investigative documentary by Manasseh Azure Awuni titled Inside the Dreaded Headmaster's Bungalow, which brought the allegations at Obuasi SHTS into the national spotlight.

The case has intensified public discussion about student safety, the responsibilities of school authorities and the need for effective systems to prevent abuse and protect victims.



NA/MA