Mavis Hawa Koomson warns leaders against shielding Obuasi headmaster

Mavis Hawa Koomson, the National Women’s Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has issued a stern warning to traditional, political, and religious leaders to cease any interference in the ongoing sexual assault investigation involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS). The headmaster, Abdulai Zakaria, stands accused of abusing 19 schoolgirls, a case that has sparked significant public outcry and demands for accountability in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking during a protest organized to demand justice for the victims, Koomson alleged that certain influential individuals are actively pressuring the affected girls and their families to withdraw their formal complaints. She expressed grave concern that such interference jeopardizes the integrity of the legal process and denies the victims the justice they deserve. The NPP Women’s Organiser emphasized that the scale of the allegations—involving nearly 20 students—requires a transparent and unimpeded investigation to ensure the safety of all students.

Koomson further addressed the parents of the victims, urging them to remain steadfast and support the investigative process despite external pressures or settlement offers. She highlighted reports of witness interference, which she described as a major obstacle to uncovering the truth. The NPP Women’s Wing, she noted, remains committed to advocating for the girls and will continue to monitor the case closely to ensure that no one, regardless of their social or professional status, is allowed to circumvent the law.

The call for justice comes as the community and various advocacy groups push for stricter oversight within educational institutions to prevent similar occurrences. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the police and judicial authorities to resist external influence and deliver a fair verdict. Koomson’s intervention signals a high-level political interest in the case, putting further pressure on local authorities in Obuasi to handle the matter with the necessary urgency and transparency.