Obuasi SHTS students withdraw from abuse probe after identity leaks

Three students involved in the sexual misconduct investigation at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) have withdrawn from state-led interventions and cooperation. The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, revealed that the decision followed the public disclosure of the victims' identities by various media outlets. This development has significantly hampered the ongoing investigation into allegations of abuse involving the school’s suspended headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.

Speaking during a media engagement, Dr. Lartey expressed frustration over what she described as irresponsible media coverage that compromised child protection protocols. She noted that the disclosure of names and personal details discouraged parents from allowing their children to continue engaging with the Ministry. The Minister emphasized that some victims have even withdrawn from the school entirely due to the intense media attention and the trauma of being identified, which has created fear among the students.

The case centers on allegations involving 19 female students, which were initially highlighted in a report by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni. Following these revelations, the headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, was suspended to allow for a full inquiry. However, Dr. Lartey warned that the pressure for interviews and the subsequent loss of privacy for the survivors have hindered the collection of critical evidence and testimony needed to seek justice through the proper legal channels.

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and identities of the remaining victims. Dr. Lartey urged journalists to exercise restraint and uphold ethical standards when reporting on sensitive cases involving minors, emphasizing that confidentiality is essential for the psychological recovery of the survivors. She concluded that protecting the dignity of those involved is a collective responsibility to ensure that justice is not compromised by sensationalism.