The National Women’s Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mavis Hawa Koomson, has expressed deep shock and sorrow over media reports alleging sexual misconduct by the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Mr. Zakaria Abdulai, involving approximately 19 female students.
In a statement dated October 19, 2026, and released from NPP Headquarters, Koomson referenced an investigative report by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni detailing alleged incidents of rape, sexual harassment, sexual assault and other forms of abuse.
She noted that some of the complaints were reportedly brought to the attention of school authorities as early as March 2026, yet no meaningful protective action appears to have been taken.
“If established, such failure on the part of the school authorities would constitute a grave negligence of their duty of care and an unacceptable breach of the responsibility entrusted to educational institutions to safeguard the welfare, dignity and fundamental rights of children under their supervision,” the statement said.
Koomson, who described herself as a mother, professional teacher and advocate for the rights of women and children, called on all Ghanaians to unequivocally condemn sexual violence, exploitation, harassment and abuse against the girl child, irrespective of political, religious or social affiliations.
She specifically urged the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to conduct a swift, thorough, independent and transparent criminal investigation.
Where sufficient evidence is established, she said, prosecutorial authorities must pursue legal processes “without fear, favour or regard to the political affiliation, social standing or institutional position of any person implicated.”
Of particular concern, the statement highlighted reports of possible intimidation, victimisation and reprisals against the affected students and their families.
Koomson insisted that every necessary measure must be taken to guarantee their safety, protect their identities and preserve their dignity throughout investigative and judicial processes.
She further called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to collaborate with child protection organisations to ensure the students and their families receive professional counselling, trauma-informed psychological care, medical care and other protective support.
The best interests of the child, she stressed, must remain paramount in line with the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560).
Koomson also urged the GES to undertake a comprehensive review of its child protection and safeguarding policies, particularly those governing the professional conduct of teachers, headmasters and school administrators.
“Every school must have reliable, effective, and enforceable ways to stop sexual abuse and exploitation, quickly respond to complaints, and make sure that students are safe both physically and mentally,” she stated.
She also made a special appeal to women across the country, including Her Excellency the Vice President, to take a sustained interest in the matter and support efforts to secure justice and strengthen safeguards for girls in educational institutions.
“This matter transcends political affiliations, institutional loyalties and individual interests. It concerns our collective moral responsibility to protect vulnerable children, uphold the rule of law and ensure that educational institutions remain places of learning, opportunity, dignity and safety,” the statement concluded.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
