Obuasi SHTS scandal: Prioritise victims’ welfare, not just investigations – Felicity Nelson

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, Felicity Nelson, has called for the psychological, emotional and physical well-being of alleged victims to be prioritised as investigations continue into sexual abuse allegations involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 24, she stressed that although the allegations must be thoroughly investigated, equal attention should be given to ensuring that the affected students receive appropriate medical care, counselling and emotional support.

"Of course, all allegations must be investigated. As it stands now, these still remain allegations, so we are still saying yes, let's investigate. However, I want us to prioritise the victims in this case, their wants, their needs. We need to ensure that they are fine," she stated.

"We need to ensure that psychologically they are okay, emotionally they are fine. In terms of health, we need to do those checks," she added.

Ms Nelson further expressed concern about the prevalence of sexual abuse among adolescent girls in Ghana, citing UNICEF reports which, according to her, indicated that 22 per cent of adolescent girls had experienced some form of sexual abuse.

She also referenced another UNICEF report which she said showed that 51 per cent of girls in secondary schools experienced some form of sexual abuse between 2019 and 2021.

Describing the situation as a widespread national problem, she cautioned against treating the Obuasi allegations as an isolated incident, noting that many cases of sexual abuse remain unreported.

"This is endemic, it's a serious issue. Inasmuch as we are talking about Obuasi, we need to be mindful of the fact that this is not just happening at Obuasi," she said.

Ms Nelson also criticised the cultural practice of influential community figures intervening to seek forgiveness or private settlements on behalf of individuals accused of sexual offences.

She argued that interventions by traditional authorities, religious leaders and other influential personalities could undermine accountability, particularly when they discourage victims from pursuing formal complaints.

"We have to look culturally as Ghanaians and say this idea that when someone commits a crime, especially of a sexual nature, where elders, church leaders, imams, chiefs and queen mothers go and beg on their behalf needs to stop," she stated.

"If it was even my wish, we need to criminalise it," she added.

The Deputy CEO further called for a review of safeguarding systems to strengthen the protection of children and ensure that allegations of sexual abuse are appropriately handled.

Her comments follow allegations of sexual abuse involving female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School, brought to public attention through an investigative documentary by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.

The headmaster has denied wrongdoing, and the allegations remain subject to investigation.

Ms Nelson maintained that beyond establishing the facts and ensuring accountability, protecting the welfare and dignity of affected students must remain central to the response.