Alexander Afenyo-Markin demands update on Obuasi SHTS abuse scandal

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has formally called on the government to treat the sexual abuse scandal at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) with the utmost urgency. Addressing the matter in the context of parliamentary oversight, the Minority Leader expressed grave concern over allegations involving 19 female students and the school's headmaster. He emphasized that the gravity of these accusations requires a high level of transparency and a commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.

Afenyo-Markin specifically requested that the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, provide a formal briefing to Parliament regarding the status of investigations and the government's subsequent actions. The scandal centers on complaints against the headmaster, who has reportedly been granted self-recognisance bail. The Minority Leader argued that the legislature must be kept informed of the progress of the case to maintain public confidence in the educational system's ability to protect its students.

Beyond the immediate investigation, the Minority Leader highlighted the critical need for comprehensive support systems for the affected survivors. He asserted that the state must ensure that the 19 students receive the necessary psychological and social assistance to navigate the trauma of the alleged abuse. Afenyo-Markin also advocated for systemic reforms within the educational sector to create safer reporting channels, allowing students to come forward with grievances without fear of victimization.

The demand for accountability comes as public interest in the case intensifies, with many advocates calling for stricter oversight of school administrators. By bringing the matter to the floor of Parliament, Afenyo-Markin aims to ensure that the government's response moves beyond initial police action toward long-term institutional changes that prioritize student safety across the country. The Minority Leader's intervention underscores a growing push for a thorough investigation and a definitive resolution to the complaints raised at Obuasi SHTS.