Zakaria Abdulai rape case docket forwarded to Attorney General

Police have forwarded the case docket of Zakaria Abdulai, the interdicted headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), to the Attorney General for legal advice following the completion of an investigation into a formal rape complaint. Interior Minister Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka confirmed the arrest of Mr. Abdulai during a session with Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee on October 20, 2026. The case has been escalated to the Police Headquarters, where investigators are currently seeking DNA evidence to support the prosecution while awaiting a court order for sample collection.

The current investigation focuses on a specific individual complaint filed by a student on August 4, 2026. While a documentary titled "Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow" highlighted allegations involving up to 19 potential victims, the police clarified that they are presently processing only formal complaints submitted to the station. ASP Lloyd Baidoo, the Public Relations Officer for the Ashanti South Police Command, emphasized that the police are ready to investigate additional charges if other survivors come forward to lodge reports, assuring the public of a thorough and transparent process.

Minister Muntaka has expressed full confidence in the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, to handle the sensitive matter. The Minister emphasized that the investigation will follow strict legal due process, noting that the headmaster is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Ghana Education Service has already interdicted Mr. Abdulai to allow for the conclusion of both criminal and administrative inquiries. The case, which was initially reported to the CID on September 7, now hinges on the legal guidance provided by the Attorney General's office regarding the next steps for prosecution.

The allegations have sparked widespread condemnation and a debate over the safety of students in residential schools. Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, described the national support system for survivors as "broken" and criticized societal attitudes that often discourage victims from reporting abuse. Survivor advocate Amtu Akumfi-Ameyaw added that the focus should shift from placing the burden of safety on girls to teaching boys about boundaries and respect. Advocacy groups continue to call for accountability to ensure justice for all affected students at Obuasi SHTS.