GBA Women’s Forum demands justice for 19 Obuasi female students

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) Women’s Forum has called on the Police to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving 19 female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School in the Ashanti Region.

The Forum wants the allegations investigated without interference and has urged the relevant authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The call follows reports accusing the school's headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, of sexually abusing female students under his care.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the GBA Women’s Forum expressed concern over the allegations, stressing that educational institutions have a responsibility to protect students from exploitation and abuse.

According to the Forum, the allegations, if established, would constitute not only serious violations of the law but also a betrayal of the responsibility entrusted to school authorities to safeguard the welfare of students.

GBA demands independent investigation and prosecution

The Forum has urged law enforcement agencies to treat the allegations with the seriousness they deserve and ensure that investigations are conducted promptly and impartially.

It cautioned against any attempt to protect individuals who may be implicated in the alleged incidents because of their positions or influence.

The Association further called for prosecution to proceed without unnecessary delay where investigations establish sufficient grounds for criminal charges.

Beyond demanding accountability, the Forum emphasised that the students involved must be treated with dignity and compassion throughout the investigative and judicial processes.

It commended those who came forward to report the allegations, including the affected students, their families and other individuals who helped bring the matter to public attention.

The Forum also acknowledged the efforts of some teachers at the school who reportedly supported the students, as well as the role played by the media in drawing attention to the allegations.

Lawyers providing assistance to affected students

The GBA Women’s Forum disclosed that some of its members had already been contacted by concerned individuals connected to the school and were offering assistance to the young women as they sought justice.

It assured the public that it would continue following developments in the matter to ensure that the complaints receive appropriate attention.

The Forum also indicated its intention to support advocacy for stronger policies aimed at preventing sexual violence against girls and other young people in educational institutions.

Forum calls for stronger protection in schools

The Association maintained that the incident highlights the importance of effective safeguarding measures within Ghana's educational system.

It called on schools and other institutions of learning to strengthen their reporting procedures, accountability mechanisms and measures for preventing sexual exploitation.

According to the Forum, students must be able to pursue their education in an environment where their safety and welfare are protected.

It stressed that institutional responses to complaints of abuse should prioritise the protection of children and ensure that allegations are properly investigated.

The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for children's rights and supporting measures that prevent sexual violence and exploitation.

NDC says it will not interfere with investigations

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has stated that it will not shield the headmaster if investigations establish his involvement in the alleged abuse.

The party's General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, said the NDC was interested in ensuring that the truth was established and would not interfere with the investigative process.

Mr Abdulai, who previously served as the Juaben Constituency Secretary of the NDC and had expressed interest in contesting the constituency chairmanship position, has since stepped down from his party role, according to the report.

The allegations against him remain subject to investigation, and no finding of criminal liability has been established.

The GBA Women’s Forum has maintained that the matter must be handled with fairness, urgency and respect for the rights of everyone involved, particularly the students whose welfare remains central to the case.