Amnesty International Ghana has called for an independent investigation into allegations that the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School sexually abused female students. The human rights group warned that officials' failure to ac
Police arrest 64 suspects in Achimota lounge firearms operation
The Office of the Special Operations Assistant to the Inspector-General of Police (SOA), in collaboration with the National SWAT, has arrested 64 suspects for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition at a lounge near Achimota Mile 7 in the Greater Accra Region.
Fake police officer arrested with loaded pistol during raid
One of the suspects, Theophilus Ashon, presented himself as a police officer attached to CID Operations. Checks, however, established that he was not a police officer. A search of him led to the recovery of a Smith & Wesson pistol loaded with six rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Large cache of weapons recovered from suspect's residence
A search of his residence resulted in the recovery of three pump action guns, four pistols, 62 AA and BB cartridges, 54 rounds of 40 calibre ammunition, and other exhibits.
Operation triggered by community complaints about lounge activities
The operation followed complaints from residents about suspected criminal activities at the lounge and its surroundings, including the open display and possible trade in firearms.
Home News Arts and Culture Business Sports Opinion Research Live TV/Radio Media Elections National NUGS condemns alleged sexual abuse by Obuasi SHTS headmaster, calls for prosecution Source : Kareen Tei 16 October 2026 12:45pm Audio By Carbonatix The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has condemned the reported sexual abuse of a female student by the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, calling for a swift and impartial investigation into the allegation and prosecution if the claims are established.
Amnesty International Ghana has called for a prompt, independent and survivor-centred investigation into allegations that the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School sexually abused female students. It warned that any failure by school and education officials to act on earlier complaints, if established, would amount to a serious breach of their duty to protect children.
In a statement signed by its Director, Hannah Osei, and copied to The Ghanaian Times in Accra yesterday, the human rights organisation said it was deeply concerned about the allegations against the headmaster, Mr Zakaria Abdulai. Ms Hannah Osei Related Articles Speaker orders Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill expunged from Order Paper November 28, 2023 The allegations emerged in an investigative report by journalist Manasseh Azuri Awuni, titled “Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow”.
According to Amnesty International Ghana, several female students had allegedly suffered abuse, while complaints were reportedly made to the school and education authorities months before the report was published.
“If established,” the organisation said, “the failure of responsible officials to act would amount to a failure to protect students from violence and abuse.”
Amnesty International Ghana cited the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), the Ghana Education Service Code of Conduct for Teachers and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), saying the legal and regulatory frameworks prohibited and criminalised the sexual abuse or seduction of a child or student by a teacher, whether on or off school premises. Read More BY TIMES REPORTER.
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS Read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus . #GhanaianTimes #TimesNewsPlus Follow our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q October 20, 2026 1 minute read Show More Facebook X WhatsApp Telegram Read Next News October 20, 2026 GES directs Ashanti Regional, Obuasi Municipal Education Directors to step aside over Obuasi SHTS scandal News October 20, 2026 Foreign Affairs Minister joins Ghanaian community in UK to honour Prof. Jason Arday News October 20, 2026 Ghana High Commission admits clerical errors in records of 15 South Africa evacuees News October 20, 2026 Hawa Koomson calls for CID probe into alleged sexual abuse of 19 Obuasi SHS students News October 20, 2026 FDA orders recall of Franko Herbal Mixture over drug contamination News October 20, 2026 The EverGreen Church to host ‘The Speed Conference 2026’ on October 28 News October 20, 2026 GNFS extinguishes electrical fire from MTN mast at Begoro News October 20, 2026 News October 20, 2026 ECG to begin nationwide meter audit exercise News October 20, 2026 Zakaria Abdulai resigns as Juaben NDC Secretary, withdraws chairman bid October 20, 2026 GES directs Ashanti Regional, Obuasi Municipal Education Directors to step aside over Obuasi SHTS scandal October 20, 2026 Foreign Affairs Minister joins Ghanaian community in UK to honour Prof. Jason Arday October 20, 2026 Ghana High Commission admits clerical errors in records of 15 South Africa evacuees October 20, 2026 Hawa Koomson calls for CID probe into alleged sexual abuse of 19 Obuasi SHS students October 20, 2026 FDA orders recall of Franko Herbal Mixture over drug contamination October 20, 2026 The EverGreen Church to host ‘The Speed Conference 2026’ on October 28 October 20, 2026 GNFS extinguishes electrical fire from MTN mast at Begoro October 20, 2026 October 20, 2026 ECG to begin nationwide meter audit exercise October 20, 2026 Zakaria Abdulai resigns as Juaben NDC Secretary, withdraws chairman bid Check Also Close Police coordinate search for missing fishing Canoe and seven crew Members October 20, 2026 West Africa urged to unite for climate finance at COP31 October 20, 2026 Invest in local innovations to create jobs — Minister October 20, 2026 Serene Insurance refurbishes Korle Bu surgical ward October 20, 2026 WaterAid improves water, sanitation access in Bongo October 20, 2026 Facebook X WhatsApp Back to top button Close Close Investigate alleged sexual abuse at Obuasi SHS — Amnesty - Ghanaian Times The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has condemned the reported sexual abuse of a female student by the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, calling for a swift and impartial investigation into the allegation and prosecution if the claims are established. In a press statement signed by its President, Rashid Ibrahim Esq., on October 16, NUGS described the allegation as deeply troubling, stressing that school authorities have a responsibility to protect students from harm rather than expose them to abuse.
"NUGS strongly condemns the reported sexual abuse of a female student by the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School. The allegation is deeply troubling, especially because school authorities are expected to protect students, not expose them to harm," it said.
The union said the reported incident highlighted broader concerns about sexual harassment, intimidation and the abuse of authority faced by female students in senior high schools and tertiary institutions. “Many girls in Senior High Schools and female students in tertiary institutions continue to face sexual harassment, intimidation and abuse of authority, sometimes at the hands of people entrusted with their care,” the statement said.
NUGS stressed that "no student should have to endure such experiences in the course of pursuing an education", emphasising the need for schools and universities to provide safe environments for learning. The union called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the relevant investigative authorities to act swiftly and conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegation.
It further urged the authorities to prioritise the welfare of the affected student by providing the necessary counselling and support while protecting her identity and dignity throughout the investigative process. According to the statement, measures must also be put in place to ensure that the student is not subjected to intimidation, victimisation or any form of retaliation for reporting the alleged abuse.
On accountability, NUGS called for criminal prosecution if investigations establish that the allegation is true, insisting that individuals in positions of authority must be held accountable under the law. “If investigations establish that the allegation is true, we call for the headmaster to be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Ghana,” the statement said.
The union added that administrative sanctions should not be used as a substitute for criminal prosecution where investigations establish that an offence has been committed. “Where criminal conduct is established, administrative sanctions alone must not replace the prosecution required by law,” it stated.
Beyond the reported incident, NUGS urged the GES and tertiary institutions to strengthen existing mechanisms for reporting sexual abuse and ensure that students can report misconduct without fear of retaliation. READ ALSO: Minister orders suspension of Obuasi SHS headmaster over alleged sexual misconduct following JoyNews investigation "We also urge the Ghana Education Service and tertiary institutions to strengthen systems for reporting sexual abuse and ensure that students can speak up without fear of retaliation. "it added.
It also called for reports of sexual misconduct to be treated seriously and addressed promptly to protect students and promote accountability within educational institutions. The union reaffirmed its support for the affected student and others who may have experienced sexual harassment or abuse, including those who have remained silent because of fear.
“NUGS stands in solidarity with the affected student and all students who have suffered sexual harassment or abuse, including those who have remained silent out of fear,” the statement said. The union maintained that schools and universities must be places where students feel safe, respected, and protected, urging the relevant authorities to take the necessary steps to address the allegation and strengthen safeguards against sexual misconduct.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education has directed the immediate suspension of the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female student. Add MyJoyOnline as a preferred source on Google See more of our stories when you search on Google. (opens in a new tab) Tags: NUGS Obuasi SHS Headmaster Related to this story NUGS President proposes social media ban for children below 15 NUGS demands probe into police assault on Techiman Krobo nursing students NUGS commends government on committee to address rising hostel fees NUGS: Office of the President urges sustainable digital governance NUGS properly represented on Scholarship Authority Board – Education Ministry confirms NUGS demands student representation on Scholarship Authority Board NUGS President leads delegation to Turkey to strengthen student diplomacy and diaspora welfare Titus Owusu Darko elected NUGS Secretary for Innovation with 98.84% of votes PUSAG hails NUGS President-elect Rashid Ibrahim; pledges deeper unified student advocacy PUSAG denies endorsing NUGS president for re-election Most Popular News Latest Stories FGMSA sues Medical and Dental Council to halt Common Registration Examination 31 minutes Audit regulator looking into Manchester City accounting 37 minutes Doue impresses as PSG beat Barcelona in thriller 44 minutes Four-goal Roma thrash Yaya Toure’s Slovan Bratislava 47 minutes Nigeria confirms first Ebola case amid concerns about continental spread 47 minutes Adansi group petitions chief to reopen Obuasi SHTS, reinstate 38 teachers 51 minutes Carrick wants more clean sheets to turn season around 55 minutes Specsavers founders get lifetime retail award 1 hour OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wins dismissal of sister’s lawsuit 1 hour Trump sued over Canadian tariffs in latest legal challenge 1 hour Veteran gospel musician Bernice Offei to be buried on November 14 1 hour Bernice Offei 2 hours Trade Minister engages cement and battery firms to boost local manufacturing and jobs 2 hours 61 Ghanaian nurses officially welcomed to Grenada 2 hours Delayed funding of judiciary means delayed justice – Dr Valentine Mensah 2 hours N
Mentioned in this story
Led the operation in collaboration with National SWAT that arrested 64 suspects for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition at a lounge near Achimota Mile 7.
Collaborated with the SOA in conducting the operation that resulted in the arrest of 64 suspects and recovery of multiple firearms.
Falsely presented himself as a police officer attached to CID Operations; a search of him recovered a loaded Smith & Wesson pistol with six rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Arrested in Atico; a search of his residence recovered three pump action guns, four pistols, and various ammunition including 62 AA and BB cartridges and 54 rounds of 40 calibre ammunition.
Site of the lounge near Mile 7 where the operation took place following complaints from residents about suspected criminal activities and firearms trade.