Laughter echoed as people discussed an alleged sexual abuse incident involving a student at Obuasi Senior High Technical School. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, told Joy News on October 19 that this reaction was deeply troubling. It showed how society’s casual dismissal of sexual abuse silences survivors and affects institutional responses.
The allegations concern the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, and more than 14 female students. The claims, raised in an investigative report by Manasseh Azure Awuni, have sparked public debate about how sexual abuse complaints are handled and the protection available for students. Authorities continue to investigate.
Dwamena-Aboagye said the laughter, especially when coming from adults and community leaders, made victims feel invisible. “That is the general attitude that invisibilises people who go through such abuses and that also affects the way institutions respond,” she said.
Sexual violence is a widespread problem globally, she explained, not limited to Ghana. Under-reporting is a major concern. Survivors often stay silent for fear of disbelief, stigma, guilt, or because they lack confidence in justice systems. Others hesitate because they know their abusers personally. Dwamena-Aboagye said close to 80% of cases globally go unreported for these reasons.
She noted sexual violence covers a broad spectrum from harassment to assault and rape. Its hidden nature makes it hard for society to grasp its full extent. Public reactions that ridicule or dismiss allegations deepen the problem by discouraging victims from seeking help.
The Ark Foundation director warned that sexual abuse’s impact follows survivors into adulthood. It affects their ability to work, maintain relationships, and participate fully in society. “Look, these are people who are probably going to be damaged. They’re going to work in our institutions. They show up with problems later on in life. They are not going to work. They are not able to keep relationships, you know, the way they should,” she said.
She framed these effects as a public health issue with consequences for the country. “And it’s a cost, a public health cost to our country,” she added.
Calls for serious investigations and proper handling of sexual abuse complaints have increased since the Obuasi SHTS allegations surfaced. Dwamena-Aboagye urged society to recognise the long-term effects of sexual violence and respond in ways that protect survivors rather than shame or dismiss them.
The controversy continues as the investigation proceeds, with public scrutiny focusing on how institutions will address the claims against Zakaria Abdulai and the protection of female students at Obuasi SHTS.
According to Joy Online.
