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PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS DEMANDS URGENT ACTION IN OBUASI SHS SEXUAL ABUSE CASE
Committee calls for expedited investigations,protection and psychological support for affected students and accountability for officials who allegedly failed to act on earlier complaints.
By:Justice Baffour Awuah/Managing Editor,DailyWatchGH.com-0246930931
The Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights has called for expedited investigations and urgent support for students affected by alleged sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS),following reports that 19 girls have come forward in connection with the case.
In a press statement dated October 21,2026, and signed by the Member of Parliament for Kumawu and Chairman of the Committee on Human Rights,Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim,the Committee expressed grave concern over the allegations involving the school’s headmaster.
The Committee stressed the need for a swift,thorough and lawful response to ensure justice for the affected students and safeguard the rights and welfare of all learners.
Committee urges CID and Attorney-General to expedite investigations
The Committee acknowledged developments in the police investigation,including the reported arrest of the headmaster and the submission of a case docket to the Attorney-General.
It called on the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Attorney-General to expedite all necessary investigative and prosecutorial processes,including the examination of allegations involving other students.
According to the Committee,where the available evidence establishes grounds for prosecution,the necessary action must be taken promptly and in accordance with the law, while respecting due process.
Affected students need counselling and protection
Beyond the legal process,the Committee urged the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Gender,Children and Social Protection to ensure that the affected students receive appropriate psychological counselling,psychosocial support and protection.
It emphasised that the students must be protected from intimidation,stigma and retaliation,adding that their privacy, dignity and educational welfare must remain paramount throughout the investigation.
The Committee maintained that the welfare of the students should not be overlooked as the authorities pursue the case.
GES urged to strengthen reporting systems in schools
The parliamentary body also called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to strengthen confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms for sexual abuse and misconduct in schools.
It said complaints should be referred promptly to the appropriate authorities and that students must be able to report abuse without fear.
The Committee believes that effective reporting systems are essential to preventing abuse,ensuring early intervention and holding perpetrators accountable.
Officials accused of ignoring earlier complaints face scrutiny
The Committee further called for a swift and impartial investigation into the conduct of any officials who may have received earlier complaints but allegedly failed to take appropriate action.
It stressed that any failure of duty established through due process must attract the appropriate accountability measures.
The call underscores the importance of institutional responsibility in protecting students and ensuring that allegations of abuse are handled promptly and appropriately.
Student safety remains a human rights obligation
Reaffirming its position,the Committee stated that student safety is a fundamental human rights obligation and that schools must provide safe environments where children are protected,respected and able to pursue their education without fear.
It pledged to continue monitoring developments in the Obuasi SHTS case and advocating effective safeguards to prevent similar incidents in educational institutions.
The Committee’s intervention adds to calls for justice,accountability and stronger child-protection measures in schools,as attention remains focused on the investigation and the support required by the affected students.
