The number of students alleging sexual abuse by the suspended headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School has risen to 19. This figure was confirmed by JoyNews Investigative Journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni on Sunday, October 18, during a broadcast of The Probe.
Three additional students came forward after Manasseh’s earlier report, which first revealed 16 cases. He said, “From yesterday, my sources at the school told me the number has grown to 19. So way more names have come up, and it is likely there will be more, because some didn’t give a report.”
The allegations involve Zakaria Abdulai, the school’s headmaster, who was suspended amid the investigation. Manasseh’s reporting began with five students before his visit to the school, which increased the count to 14. Two more students disclosed similar experiences after that visit, bringing the total to 16 before the latest three cases.
Manasseh first visited Obuasi Senior High Technical School in 2018. At that time, he investigated sexual assault allegations involving a senior housemaster who was later dismissed. He returned recently after receiving a message from a source at the school indicating the situation had worsened while he was abroad.
“When I returned from my studies abroad, I got a message from a source at the school telling me the situation has gotten worse and that they tried to reach me while I was away,” Manasseh told Joy FM on Thursday, October 15. He described the current allegations as more difficult to address because they involve the headmaster, who holds the highest administrative position in the school.
The Obuasi community, including members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), reportedly shows widespread awareness of the allegations. Despite this, Manasseh noted a reluctance among locals to speak publicly about the case.
The investigation into the claims against Zakaria Abdulai is ongoing. No official statement has been released confirming the headmaster’s response to the allegations.
Manasseh’s documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, aired recently and has drawn attention to the issue. The film details the timeline of the accusations and the school’s response. It captures accounts from students and sources familiar with the case.
The escalation from five to 19 allegations within a short period indicates the depth of the problem at Obuasi Senior High Technical School. The earlier 2018 case involving the senior housemaster is now being re-examined in light of the new claims.
Manasseh’s investigative process shows how the community, school authorities, and political actors have interacted with the case so far. The silence among those aware of the abuse has raised questions about accountability and protection for students.
The situation remains fluid as authorities continue their inquiry. The growing number of students who have spoken out may lead to further developments in the coming weeks.
According to Joy Online.
