Mavis Hawa Koomson Condemns Alleged Sexual Abuse of 19 Female Students at Obuasi SHS, Demands Independent Probe

The National Women's Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson, has condemned the alleged sexual abuse of 19 female students of Obuasi Senior High School.

In a statement issued on October 19, 2026, from the party's headquarters in Accra, Hon. Koomson said she received the reports with "profound shock, dismay and deep sorrow."

The allegations, which were contained in media reports including an investigative report by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, involve the headmaster of the school, Mr. Zakaria Abdulai, who is accused of sexual misconduct.

According to the statement, approximately nineteen female students recounted alleged incidents of abuse, with claims that some of the incidents were reported to school authorities as far back as March 2026 without any meaningful action taken.

Hon. Koomson described the alleged failure by the school authorities as "grave negligence" and a breach of their duty to safeguard the welfare, dignity and fundamental rights of children under their supervision.

*Call for CID Investigation*

The former Minister called on the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to undertake a swift, thorough, independent and transparent criminal investigation into the matter.

"Where sufficient evidence is established, the appropriate prosecutorial authorities must pursue the necessary legal processes without fear, favour or regard to the political affiliation, social standing or institutional position of any person implicated," she stated.

She stressed that "a child knows no political party colours" and that the dignity and protection of children must never be subordinated to partisan considerations.

Hon. Koomson also expressed concern over reports of possible intimidation and victimisation of the affected students and their families, calling for measures to guarantee their safety, protect their identities and preserve their dignity.

*Support for Victims and Systemic Reforms*

She further urged the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to collaborate with child protection groups to provide counselling, psychological care, medical care and other protective measures for the affected students and their families.