NPP Women’s Wing demands justice for 19 abused Obuasi SHTS students

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Women’s Wing has staged a major demonstration in Obuasi to demand justice for 19 female students allegedly abused by the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS). Under the banner 'Justice for Our Girls,' the protesters, led by National Women’s Organiser Mavis Hawa Koomson, called for immediate accountability and more robust protective measures for students within the Ghanaian education system. The allegations against the headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, include rape and sexual harassment, which have sparked widespread public outrage and calls for systemic reform in school safeguarding. During the demonstration, the group directed appeals to President John Mahama and other high-ranking officials to ensure that the investigation is conducted without interference. The protest was supported by Akosua Manu, an advisor on Gender and Social Protection to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who publicly criticized the President’s perceived silence on the issue. Manu noted that while the President has frequently used public platforms to discuss gender equality, he has yet to address the specific gravity of the Obuasi SHTS allegations. She described the government’s current approach as reactive and called for a more decisive leadership stance to reassure the nation. The Women’s Wing also emphasized the need for transparency from the Ghana Education Service (GES) and law enforcement agencies. Protesters expressed concerns about the safety of the victims and the potential for witness intimidation during the investigative process. Akosua Manu highlighted what she described as failures from various state institutions in handling the initial reports, arguing that the protection of students must be prioritized over institutional reputation. The group is pushing for a clear timeline of the investigation and regular updates to ensure the case does not stall. While the GES has confirmed that administrative actions are underway, the NPP Women’s Wing maintains that the current response is insufficient to deter future misconduct. The protest underscores a growing demand for enhanced safeguarding protocols in all Senior High Schools across Ghana. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on whether the legal system will provide a swift resolution for the affected students and their families, or if the case will trigger broader legislative changes regarding teacher-student conduct and school safety.