Obuasi SHTS to readmit continuing students next week after campus unrest

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that continuing students of the Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) are set to return to campus next week. This move comes nearly three months after the school was shut down following a period of intense student disturbances. While first-year students have been attending classes since September 18, the continuing students have remained at home since the closure began on August 5.

The school’s closure was triggered by a series of violent events on the campus, reportedly linked to the discovery of remains suspected to be those of a baby. The resulting unrest led to an assault on the headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, who required hospitalization for his injuries. In the aftermath of the violence, six students were arrested by the police for their alleged involvement in the disturbances that disrupted academic activities.

Alongside the investigation into the campus violence, the GES and law enforcement agencies are looking into serious sexual abuse allegations involving the headmaster. Mr. Abdulai has since been suspended from his position as the Office of the Attorney-General and the police conduct further inquiries. The GES emphasized that preparations for the resumption of academic work for the returning students are in advanced stages, though a specific date for their arrival has yet to be finalized.

The return of the continuing students marks a significant step in restoring normalcy to the institution after months of administrative and security challenges. The GES continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure a safe environment for both staff and students. Authorities have indicated that the ongoing investigations into the initial causes of the unrest and the allegations against the suspended headmaster will proceed independently of the school's academic reopening.