The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the Upper West Region has demanded a prompt, transparent and impartial investigation into allegations of rape and defilement involving 19 girls at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
In a press statement issued on October 26, 2026, the coalition expressed grave concern over reports linking the school’s headmaster to the alleged sexual offences, as well as claims of similar misconduct during his professional career spanning several decades.
The coalition insisted that justice must be delivered without unnecessary delays, calling on relevant state institutions to take decisive measures to ensure accountability and prevent sexual abuse, harassment and other forms of misconduct in schools.
It acknowledged that the Ghana Education Service (GES) had suspended the headmaster, the police had arrested him and granted him bail, and the GES had initiated investigations into the matter. However, it maintained that these initial measures must be followed by a comprehensive, fair and transparent investigative process that prioritises the safety, dignity and rights of the alleged victims.
The group appealed to the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the relevant prosecuting authorities to accelerate their investigations and pursue all lawful measures necessary to secure accountability.
It further emphasised that the case must be handled impartially, without undue delay or political interference.
The coalition also urged the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to undertake an independent investigation within its mandate, particularly to determine whether the girls’ rights were adequately protected and whether institutional lapses, negligence or inappropriate interference occurred.
Coalition Demands Protection and Assistance for Alleged Victims
The coalition called on the GES to undertake a credible investigation, safeguard relevant records and cooperate fully with the police and CHRAJ. It also urged the service to provide appropriate updates without jeopardising the girls’ privacy or the ongoing investigations.
Additionally, the group appealed to the Ministry of Education and school authorities to shield the alleged victims from intimidation, victimisation, stigmatisation and any form of contact that could threaten their welfare or compromise the investigation.
The coalition called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, through its Domestic Violence Secretariat and other relevant agencies, to offer the girls and their families confidential medical care, psychological support, legal assistance and other essential protection services.
It underscored the need to treat the girls with respect, sensitivity and compassion throughout the investigative and judicial processes. Their safety, privacy, access to assistance and right to be heard, it stressed, must remain paramount.
Calls for Enhanced Safeguarding Measures in Schools
Moving beyond the immediate allegations, the coalition noted that the case highlights the urgent need to reinforce protection systems in educational institutions to guard students against sexual abuse and harassment.
It urged the GES and the Ministry of Education to strengthen existing safeguarding arrangements, including accessible reporting mechanisms, staff sensitisation and clear protocols for addressing allegations of sexual misconduct.
The coalition also appealed to the public and the media to exercise caution in reporting the case, refrain from speculation and avoid blaming or humiliating the girls. It warned that irresponsible comments and actions could expose them to further harm or undermine the integrity of the investigation.
In the statement signed by its chairman, Freeman Kanton, the coalition reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments and urged the relevant authorities to provide timely, accurate updates while protecting the rights and privacy of the girls.
The group reiterated that justice must be pursued promptly and decisively, while due process, confidentiality and the presumption of innocence must be upheld as investigations continue.
It concluded by stressing that schools must provide secure environments for teaching and learning, free from sexual abuse, harassment and exploitation. It therefore called on all relevant stakeholders to take concrete action to promote accountability, strengthen student protection and prevent similar incidents in the future.
