The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Belgium Branch has followed with grave concern and outrage the disturbing allegations of sexual abuse, including rape, levelled against the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Mr. Zakaria Abdulai, as reported by JoyNews investigations.
Parents entrust their children to schools with the expectation that teachers and school authorities will protect, guide and nurture them. Schools must remain safe spaces for learning and development, not environments where students are exposed to abuse, intimidation and exploitation.
The allegations emerging from Obuasi SHTS suggest not only a failure of individual responsibility but also possible institutional failures in safeguarding vulnerable children. If it is established that complaints were ignored, suppressed or inadequately investigated, then all persons responsible must be held fully accountable under the laws of Ghana.
The NPP Belgium Branch believes that child protection is a national obligation that transcends partisan politics. However, where public office, political influence or institutional authority creates a sense of impunity, democracy, accountability and justice are weakened.
OUR DEMANDS
1. A full, independent and transparent investigation into all allegations.
2. The prosecution of every individual found culpable, including persons who aided, concealed or failed to report criminal conduct.
3. Protection for victims, witnesses and whistleblowers.
4. Immediate psychosocial support and trauma counselling for affected students.
5. Transfer of the victim to another school at no cost to the family.
6. A nationwide review of safeguarding systems in second-cycle institutions.
7. Stronger confidential reporting mechanisms for students.
This matter is a test of Ghana’s commitment to child protection, gender justice, human rights and accountable governance. Every child deserves safety, dignity and justice.
The NPP Belgium Branch stands in solidarity with all victims and commends the courage of those who have spoken out despite fear and stigma. We call upon all state institutions to act decisively and without delay.
Ghana’s children are our future. Their safety must never be compromised.
Signed
Andrews Kwame Perprem
Secretary
NPP Belgium Branch
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