The Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT) has called for the prosecution of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) Headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, following allegations of rape and sexual assault detailed in an investigative documentary by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
The organisation has also urged the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to reverse its decision to allow Mr Abdulai to contest the chairmanship of the Juaben Constituency, arguing that the move could undermine efforts to hold alleged perpetrators of sexual violence accountable.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, NETRIGHT said it watched the Hotline documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, with “profound shock”, citing allegations that the headmaster sexually abused female students under his authority.
According to the organisation, the documentary alleges that Mr Abdulai lured female students to his bungalow, raped them, forced them to perform sexual acts and threatened to kill or silence them if they reported the alleged abuse.
NETRIGHT further said interviews featured in the documentary suggested that some school authorities, police officers and political actors who were approached by victims or were aware of the alleged conduct failed to take action to protect the girls or help them pursue justice.
The organisation described the case as an example of the challenges confronting efforts to address sexual violence, particularly where alleged perpetrators occupy positions of authority and influence.
It said fear and a culture of silence continued to prevent many survivors from reporting abuse, allowing perpetrators to escape accountability.
NETRIGHT questions NDC’s decision
NETRIGHT expressed concern over the NDC Functional Executive Committee’s decision to clear Mr Abdulai to contest the Juaben Constituency chairmanship despite reportedly having viewed the documentary.
The organisation argued that the party’s decision was inconsistent with its stated commitment to zero tolerance for sexual abuse and harassment.
While acknowledging Mr Abdulai’s right to a fair hearing, NETRIGHT maintained that political parties should also uphold ethical standards in determining the conduct they consider acceptable among their members and candidates for leadership positions.
It further argued that clearing him to contest the position risked sending the wrong signal about accountability for alleged sexual misconduct, particularly when the affected students and their families may lack the resources and influence to pursue justice.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reversed their earlier decision to allow Mr Abdulai to contest the internal election despite ongoing investigations into the matter. In a statement issued, the Party has directed the headmaster to step aside from the party’s Juaben constituency chairmanship race to allow an unhindered investigation into allegations against him.
READ: NDC reverses position, orders Obuasi SHTS headmaster to step aside from Juaben chairmanship race
Calls for action from Education Ministry, GES
NETRIGHT has called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to immediately refer the matter to law enforcement authorities for investigation and prosecution, arguing that interdiction alone would not be sufficient given the seriousness of the allegations.
It has also urged the two institutions to adopt an explicit policy requiring the prosecution of adults who engage in sexual contact with students.
Among its other recommendations, the organisation wants the Ministry and GES to end the practice of transferring school heads and teachers accused or found guilty of sexual misconduct to other schools.
It further called for proper investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct in educational institutions and permanent exclusion from the education sector for those found guilty.
NETRIGHT also wants clear guidelines prohibiting school authorities from using students as domestic workers in their homes.
Additionally, it has called for the publication of a report detailing incidents of sexual misconduct in schools and the actions taken in each case.
State institutions urged to protect victims
The organisation has appealed to state institutions mandated to address gender-based violence to take immediate steps to secure justice for the students involved and ensure their protection and support.
The institutions named include the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Domestic Violence Secretariat and the Legal Aid Commission.
READ: Gender Ministry moves to strengthen child protection in schools after Obuasi SHTS abuse allegation
NETRIGHT said it would continue to monitor the case and support the students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School and other survivors of sexual violence until justice is achieved.
