Seven families to press charges against Obuasi SHTS headmaster amid threats and blackmail

Seven families of girls allegedly sexually abused by the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High and Technical School (SHTS) are preparing to press charges against him, amid reported threats, intimidation and attempts to blackmail those seeking justice.

The decision follows engagements between the families, the victims and officials from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection during an official visit to Obuasi to support the victims and advance efforts to secure justice.

During the engagement, the affected families and girls recounted their alleged ordeal to the government officials, detailing their experiences.

However, the pursuit of justice is reportedly being complicated by threats against some of the families, with concerns that intimidation is discouraging others from openly participating in the case.

Gender Minister, Dr. Agnes Lartey, disclosed that her ministry is working with National Security to identify and deal with individuals allegedly threatening or blackmailing the victims and their families.

She said authorities were also taking steps to remove audio and video recordings circulating on social media that expose the identities of the girls, particularly content mentioning their full names.

“We are working with National Security to pull down those audios and videos, if possible, the ones that mention their full names so that the families will feel safe and protected,” she said.

The Minister indicated that the process had already commenced but declined to provide further details, citing concerns that the threats were connected to the ongoing efforts to pursue accountability.

“I don’t want to give details because their threats are centred around that, and it is not just political. Threats are coming from families and other influential persons,” she stated.

She added that efforts were underway to trace those allegedly making threatening and blackmailing calls, with the aim of bringing them before the law.

“We are finding a way to track those who are calling to blackmail and threaten them so that we bring them to book as offenders of the law,” she said.

The Minister further revealed that more than seven people have been identified as willing to support the case, although fear of possible repercussions was forcing some to remain behind the scenes.

According to her, at least one person had indicated a willingness to support the legal process privately but was reluctant to appear publicly or formally report the matter because of threats and pressure from family members.

“We are having more than seven people now. One of them felt them it’s beyond him so he said he and the family can support from behind but because of the threats from family. How the issue has escalated overwhelms some of them, so they want to support the case in running but not to show up to report.

“But because of the threats from family, and how the issue has escalated, it overwhelms some of them. They want to support the case in running, but not to show up to report,” she said.

The disclosure highlights the challenges confronting efforts to secure justice for the alleged victims, as concerns over intimidation and exposure continue to weigh on families deciding whether to participate in the case.