Government must take decisive and far-reaching action on Obuasi SHTS case – Methodist Church Ghana

The Methodist Church Ghana has called on the government to take decisive and far-reaching action on allegations of sexual abuse involving 19 female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS).

The Church is demanding an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations against the school's headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, as well as accountability for any officials or institutions whose actions or inaction may have contributed to the alleged abuse.

The allegations involving Obuasi SHTS have attracted national attention, with the number of students reportedly alleging abuse reaching 19.

The school's headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, has been suspended by the Ghana Education Service pending investigation.

The Ministry of Education has also directed the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service to investigate the allegations.

Mr Abdulai is also reported to be the National Democratic Congress constituency secretary in Juaben and had been seeking to contest the constituency chairmanship.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, and signed by its Gender, Family and Social Intervention Directorate, the Church condemned the alleged abuse and exploitation, expressing concern over the impact on the students and their families.

"As a Church committed to the protection of children, the promotion of human dignity, and the pursuit of justice, we condemn in the strongest terms all forms of sexual abuse, exploitation, and violence against children and vulnerable persons," the statement said.

The Church stressed that schools must provide safe environments where students can learn and pursue their aspirations without fear of intimidation, abuse or victimisation.

It expressed solidarity with the affected students and their families, calling for their healing and recovery, and commended those who had come forward to report the alleged abuse.

The Methodist Church said the allegations raised broader questions about the effectiveness of child protection mechanisms within Ghana's educational system.

It expressed particular concern over reports that complaints may have been made over an extended period without adequate intervention.

"Allegations that complaints may have been reported over an extended period without adequate intervention make the situation even more troubling," the statement said.

The Church argued that the case should prompt scrutiny not only of the alleged conduct of the headmaster but also of the systems intended to protect students from abuse.

The Church outlined six measures it wants the government to pursue.

These include a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the allegations and any institutional failures connected to the case.

It also called for the prosecution of anyone found culpable under Ghanaian law, regardless of their position or influence, and accountability for officials or institutions whose actions or inaction may have contributed to the alleged abuse.

The Church further urged the government to provide the affected students and their families with confidential, professional and long-term psychological, medical, social and educational support.

It called for stronger child protection and safeguarding systems across educational institutions, alongside confidential reporting mechanisms that allow students to report abuse without fear of retaliation.

The Methodist Church urged state institutions, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, mental health professionals and community leaders to support the affected students and their families.

It also appealed to the media and the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the students while supporting efforts to secure justice.

"This painful episode must serve as a wake-up call to the nation. The safety and well-being of our children must never be compromised," the statement said.