Obuasi SHTS sexual abuse: Domestic Violence Coalition demands independent probe, accountability

The Domestic Violence Coalition has called for a comprehensive, independent and survivor-centred investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), insisting that the probe must also examine possible failures by school authorities and other institutions responsible for protecting the students.

The Coalition said the investigations should establish whether complaints and warnings were raised before decisive action was taken and whether any individuals or institutions failed to respond appropriately.

In a statement signed by its secretary, Deborah Tayo Akakpo, the Coalition expressed concern over the allegations, which have attracted the attention of the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Parliament and law enforcement authorities.

It noted that investigations were ongoing, with administrative measures initiated, including the interdiction of the school's headmaster and the recusal of some education officials from the investigative process.

The Coalition commended the survivors who had come forward despite the personal, social and psychological difficulties associated with reporting sexual abuse. It also acknowledged the role of parents, teachers, safeguarding officers and journalists in ensuring that the allegations were not ignored.

It stressed that the matter must be treated primarily as a child protection and gender-based violence issue, with the safety, dignity and education of the affected students remaining the priority.

“Schools are not merely places of learning; they are institutions entrusted with the care and protection of children and young persons. Any allegation that this trust may have been violated demands the highest level of scrutiny and accountability,” the statement said.

The Coalition said while due process and the presumption of innocence must be respected, investigations should go beyond the conduct of individuals accused of abuse to establish whether those responsible for safeguarding students failed in their duties.

It is therefore urging the relevant state institutions to ensure that all affected students receive trauma-informed psychosocial support, appropriate medical care, legal assistance and educational support to prevent disruptions to their schooling.

It also called for measures to protect the students from retaliation, intimidation, harassment, stigma and victim-blaming, while ensuring that their identities, privacy and dignity are protected throughout the investigative and judicial processes.

On institutional accountability, the Coalition said anyone found to have ignored, suppressed or mishandled complaints must be held responsible, irrespective of their position or influence.

“Accountability must extend beyond individual perpetrators to those who may have enabled, concealed, or failed to act on reports of abuse,” it stated.

The Coalition further called for a national review of child protection and safeguarding measures in educational institutions, as well as the introduction of safe, confidential and accessible reporting channels for students.

It also wants mandatory safeguarding and gender-based violence prevention training for education personnel, clear protocols for responding to sexual abuse allegations and regular audits to ensure schools comply with child protection requirements.

The Coalition said the Obuasi SHTS case should trigger broader reforms to address sexual violence, abuse of power and gender-based violence in schools.

“No child or young person should have to choose between reporting abuse and continuing their education. No survivor should fear retaliation for speaking out. No institution should place its reputation above the safety of students,” it said.

It added that justice should not be measured solely by the outcome of investigations or prosecutions, but also by whether the case leads to stronger protections, safer schools and greater accountability among institutions entrusted with the welfare of children.

The Coalition reaffirmed its solidarity with survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and said it would continue monitoring how public institutions handle the matter to ensure justice for those affected.