Obuasi SHS Sex Scandal: Education Minister rules out political interference

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has assured the public that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will not influence investigations into sexual misconduct allegations against the interdicted headmaster of the Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai.

Speaking at a press conference on October 26, 2026, Iddrisu said the government would ensure that the case was handled fairly, regardless of the headmaster’s political affiliation.

“I have observed some concerns raised by the women's rights groups in Ghana urging us to ensure that political affiliations or party positions do not shield any accused persons. I assure you that we will do just that,” he said.

Abdulai previously served as the NDC’s Juaben Constituency Secretary and had intended to contest the constituency chairmanship before withdrawing from the race.

He also resigned as constituency secretary following public concern over the allegations. The NDC had earlier directed him to step aside to allow the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to investigate the matter.

Iddrisu said protecting students remained a priority for the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES), adding that the government would use the necessary administrative and legal measures to ensure their safety.

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“Primarily the essence of this press briefing is to assure the Ghanaian public that the Ministry of Education and the GES will do everything appropriate to safeguard and ensure the protection of all students as a statutory duty,” he said.

“We would not fail in this endeavour. We intend to deploy all administrative and legal tools to achieve this.”

The Minister described the allegations as a wake-up call for education authorities to strengthen measures against sexual abuse in schools.

He called on parents, guardians and students to support efforts to address the problem, stressing that protecting young people should remain a priority.

Meanwhile, the case has been referred to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service.

JKB/MA

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