Riot, Properties Vandalised: GES details how students reacted to alleged sexual assault at Obuasi SHS

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has interdicted the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, following allegations of sexual misconduct involving students, which reportedly triggered a rampage and the destruction of school property.

In a statement dated October 14, 2026, the GES said the alleged incident led to unrest among students and the temporary closure of the school.

Obuasi SHS Assault Case: ‘He slapped me when I said I was menstruating’ – Victim recounts ordeal

“Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has interdicted Mr Zakaria Abdulai, Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School in the Obuasi Municipality of the Ashanti Region, pending the outcome of a full-scale investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving students at the school.

“The alleged incident reportedly triggered a student rampage, resulting in the destruction of school property and other items, and the subsequent temporary closure of the school,” parts of the statement read.

The Service said Abdulai had been directed to proceed on interdiction with immediate effect while investigations into the allegations continue.

He has also been ordered to hand over the management of the school to the Ashanti Regional Director of Education and make himself available to assist with the investigation.

The GES added that a complaint had been lodged with the police.

The allegations came to public attention following an investigation by JoyNews and investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, which featured accounts from female students who described their alleged experiences inside the headmaster’s bungalow.

One of the students alleged that Abdulai slapped her after she told him she was menstruating and he attempted to check whether her claim was true.

“He pushed me onto the sofa and took off his underwear. When I told him I was menstruating, he put his hand into my pant to check if it was true. When I said no, he slapped me and held my head, so I agreed to do it,” she said.

Another student also described how she allegedly struggled with the headmaster before he forced her into sexual activity.

“We struggled and he took off my shirt to have sex with me. After that, he dragged me into his bedroom and had sex with me again,” she said.

Following the emergence of the allegations, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu directed the GES to suspend Abdulai and requested a police investigation into the matter.

In a statement issued on Monday, October 12, the Ministry of Education said the minister considered the allegations serious and had asked the GES Director-General to take immediate action.

The ministry also stressed that teachers had a duty to protect students entrusted to their care.

Minister orders suspension of Obuasi SHTS headmaster over alleged sexual misconduct

“Parents and Guardians have entrusted their wards in the care of teachers whose responsibilities are to protect and safeguard the children and not abuse them,” the statement, signed by the ministry’s Press Secretary, Hashmin Mohammed, said.

The GES said it remained committed to protecting students and staff and ensuring that teachers and other education workers upheld professional standards.

Read the statement below:

MAG/VPO

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