By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu on Monday vowed administrative and legal action in the alleged sexual abuse case involving 19 girls of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), assuring the public that the government will strengthen measures to protect students from abuse.
The minister’s comment comes on the back of the suspension of former headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, who is accused of sexually abusing some female students of the institution.
Addressing the press in the national capital, Mr. Iddrisu said the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) would take all necessary steps to safeguard students and ensure accountability.
He said the government would not allow the case to fade from public attention without the necessary action.
“The primary essence of this press briefing is to assure the Ghanaian public that the Ministry of Education and the GES will do everything appropriate to safeguard and ensure the protection of all students as a statutory duty. We would not fail in this endeavour,” said Mr. Iddrisu.
Mr. Iddrisu said the government would provide trauma-informed support for the 19 affected students and strengthen safeguards to prevent similar incidents in schools.
The Education Minister also directed the GES Director-General to ensure that no student was made to perform domestic duties for a headmaster or teacher.
He further announced plans by the education authorities to review school regulations, monitor the conduct of teachers and headteachers, and engage parents and students to identify gaps in existing safeguarding measures. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
