Ghana’s Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the immediate suspension of Zakaria Abdulai, the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), over allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female student.
The directive follows an investigation by JoyNews and investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni into the allegations, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Education on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
The Ministry said the Minister had instructed the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take immediate steps to suspend the headmaster while investigations into the matter proceed.
The Minister has also requested the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service to commence investigations into the allegations.
The development has renewed attention on student safety, safeguarding responsibilities and accountability within Ghana’s second-cycle educational institutions.
Ghana Education Service to Implement Suspension
According to the Ministry of Education, the suspension is intended to allow a full investigation into the allegations against the headmaster.
The GES is expected to take the necessary administrative steps in response to the Minister’s directive, while the police investigate the matter from a criminal perspective.
The involvement of both the education authorities and the police highlights the seriousness with which the allegations are being treated.
However, the allegations have not, by themselves, established criminal wrongdoing. The outcome of the investigations will be important in determining the facts and any appropriate disciplinary or legal action.
Education Ministry Warns Against Misconduct in Schools
In its statement, the Ministry of Education reiterated that alleged misconduct of this nature would not be tolerated in educational institutions across the country.
The statement, signed by the Ministry’s Press Secretary, Hashmin Mohammed, stressed that parents and guardians entrust their children to teachers and school authorities with the expectation that they will protect and safeguard them.
It emphasised that educators have a responsibility to provide a safe learning environment rather than engage in conduct that could put students at risk.
The Ministry’s position underscores the importance of professional conduct, institutional accountability and effective safeguarding measures in schools.
JoyNews Investigation Brings Allegations into Focus
The directive followed an investigation by JoyNews and Manasseh Azure Awuni, which had drawn the attention of the Education Ministry to the allegations involving the Obuasi SHTS headmaster.
The investigation is yet to be aired, according to the Ministry’s statement.
The case places renewed focus on the role of investigative journalism in bringing allegations of misconduct in public institutions to the attention of relevant authorities.
It also raises broader questions about reporting mechanisms, protection for students who raise concerns and the procedures schools should follow when allegations involve senior officials.
Student Protection and Accountability in Ghanaian Schools
The case comes amid continued calls for stronger safeguards to protect students and ensure that allegations of abuse or misconduct in educational institutions are handled promptly and impartially.
Education authorities, school administrators, parents and law enforcement agencies all have important roles to play in ensuring that students can pursue their education in safe environments.
As investigations proceed, attention will focus on the implementation of the suspension directive, the findings of the police investigation and any further action by the Ghana Education Service.
For now, the allegations against Zakaria Abdulai remain subject to investigation, and the outcome of the process will determine the next steps in the case.
