By Jones Anlimah
The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Ghana National Chapter, has called for a thorough, impartial investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) and the headmaster of the institution.
The Network is also demanding accountability for any individuals found culpable and stronger measures to protect girls from sexual abuse and exploitation in educational institutions across the country.
In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Dr. Charity Binka, AWLN Ghana expressed concern about the allegations, describing them as a serious breach of the duty of care owed to students and raising questions about the effectiveness of existing child protection and safeguarding systems in schools.
The Network stressed that schools must remain safe environments where students can pursue their education without fear of abuse, intimidation or exploitation by those entrusted with their welfare.
It said reports that complaints about the alleged misconduct might have been brought to the attention of relevant authorities before the matter became public must be investigated to establish what was known, when the concerns were raised and how they were handled.
AWLN Ghana said the investigation should not be limited to the individuals implicated in the allegations but must also examine whether institutional failures, negligence or deliberate inaction contributed to the situation.
It maintained that any evidence of misconduct, concealment, intimidation or breach of duty should attract appropriate disciplinary or legal consequences.
The Network, however, emphasised the need for fairness and due process, noting that the allegations must be investigated impartially and that no individual should be presumed guilty before the facts are established.
AWLN Ghana has consequently called on the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Police Service and relevant child protection authorities to ensure that the matter receives the urgency and independence it requires.
It has also urged authorities to provide appropriate updates on the investigation without compromising the privacy of the students or the rights of those involved.
On the welfare of the affected students, the Network called for access to psychosocial support, counselling, healthcare and other necessary services.
It further urged authorities to ensure that the students are protected from stigma, victim-blaming, intimidation and retaliation, while their education continues without unnecessary disruption.
The statement also called for safe, accessible and confidential reporting mechanisms in schools to enable students to report sexual harassment, abuse and inappropriate conduct without fear of reprisals.
AWLN Ghana wants school leaders, teachers and guidance and counselling personnel to receive regular training in child protection, professional boundaries, abuse prevention and reporting obligations.
It has also urged the Ministry of Education and the GES to strengthen safeguarding measures nationwide through effective monitoring, periodic reviews and clear institutional accountability.
The Network cited the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), and stressed that legal protections for children must translate into effective prevention, timely intervention and meaningful support when their rights are threatened.
It said protecting girls from abuse was essential to their education, well-being, confidence and future participation in national development.
AWLN Ghana reaffirmed that no individual should be considered above the law because of their position or authority, adding that the safety, dignity and rights of girls must take precedence over institutional reputation or administrative convenience.
The Network expressed hope that the handling of the allegations would lead to stronger safeguards, trusted reporting systems and greater accountability in Ghana’s educational institutions.
