Obuasi SHTS scandal: GES Director-General must resign – Former GNAT General Secretary

Former General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), David Ofori Acheampong, has called for the resignation of the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) over the handling of sexual abuse allegations involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School.

Speaking on Asempa FM's Kukurantumi show on Saturday, October 24, Mr Ofori Acheampong argued that the GES leadership must take responsibility for the situation, which has raised serious concerns about student safety and accountability within the education sector.

"In my opinion, the Director-General of GES must resign and take responsibility for this situation," he stated.

He also questioned the response of the headmaster, who has reportedly claimed that eight teachers at the school conspired against him amid allegations of sexual misconduct involving 19 female students.

"How can a headmaster claim that eight teachers have plotted against him when he is facing allegations of having sexual relations with 19 female students?" he questioned.

Mr Ofori Acheampong further expressed concern about the motivation of some individuals entering the teaching profession, arguing that teaching should be regarded as a calling rather than merely an employment opportunity.

According to him, the limited availability of jobs in Ghana has compelled many people to pursue teaching primarily as a means of escaping unemployment, rather than out of a genuine commitment to educating and protecting children.

He maintained that teaching requires dedication, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility towards students, particularly those entrusted to the care of school authorities.

His comments follow allegations of sexual abuse involving 19 female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School, brought to public attention through an investigative documentary by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.