Methodist Church Ghana’s Gender, Family and Social Intervention Directorate calls for urgent investigation into alleged sexual abuse of 19 students at Obuasi school

In a press statement dated 27 October 2026, the Directorate expressed deep concern over allegations against the school’s headmaster, Mr Zakaria Abdulai, and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.

The Directorate condemned all forms of sexual abuse, exploitation and violence against children, stressing that schools must provide safe environments where students can learn and develop without fear of intimidation, abuse or victimisation.

It expressed sympathy with the affected students and their families, noting the potential emotional, psychological and educational consequences of the alleged abuse.

The Directorate also raised concerns about the effectiveness of safeguarding systems within Ghana’s educational sector, particularly reports that complaints may have been made over an extended period without adequate intervention.

It said the case required scrutiny beyond the alleged conduct of an individual to establish whether institutional failures contributed to the situation and whether existing child protection mechanisms had functioned as intended.

The Directorate has urged the government to ensure an independent, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the allegations, including any institutional shortcomings connected to the case.

It further called for anyone found culpable to be prosecuted in accordance with Ghanaian law, regardless of their position or influence. Officials or institutions whose actions or inaction may have contributed to the situation should also be held accountable, it said.

Beyond the investigation, the Directorate called for comprehensive, confidential and long-term psychological, medical, social and educational support for the affected students and their families.

It also advocated stronger child protection systems across educational institutions, alongside confidential and accessible reporting channels that would enable students to report abuse without fear of retaliation or further victimisation.

The Directorate urged state institutions, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, mental health professionals and community leaders to support the affected students and their families as efforts to establish the facts and secure justice continue.

It also appealed to the media and the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the students while following developments in the case.

The Directorate said the allegations should serve as a wake-up call for the country to strengthen child protection measures and ensure that the safety and well-being of students remain a priority in every educational institution.