The headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, has been suspended amid allegations of sexual abuse involving more than 14 female students. The Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) announced its support for the interdiction following an exposé by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
The allegations emerged in a report by Awuni, which accused Abdulai of systemic misconduct at the school. In response, CHASS moved swiftly to back the decision to remove Abdulai from his post while investigations proceed.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, 19 October 2026, Primus Baro, National Secretary of CHASS, explained that the suspension aligns with the principles of natural justice and due process. “That is the process, and this one is directly in line with the general premises of a Ghanaian law setting that, I mean, you are not guilty until you are proven guilty,” Baro said.
He added that interdiction is standard procedure to guarantee an unhindered inquiry while respecting constitutional rights. “So he’s been interdicted, he’s been set aside, then based on the outcome of what the investigation will be, then further actions will be taken. So that’s what the law says, so we definitely will support that.”
Baro also confirmed that CHASS had been aware of complaints about Abdulai’s conduct prior to the public allegations. The association received reports through its regional structures, particularly from its Ashanti Regional Chairman. “Our representative there, the Ashanti Regional Chairman, has always been involved,” Baro said. “So all the complaints and inputs and comments that we have alluded to in the investigation that has been taken up, of course, we have heard them.”
The National Secretary’s remarks suggest that the issue had been under scrutiny within CHASS before Awuni’s exposé brought it to national attention.
The decision to suspend Abdulai reflects a broader trend in Ghanaian education circles to uphold legal procedures while addressing allegations of misconduct. It also raises questions about the mechanisms in place to protect students and respond to complaints within senior high schools.
Obuasi Senior High Technical School has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations or Abdulai’s suspension.
The investigation will determine whether further disciplinary or legal action is warranted based on the evidence gathered.
According to Joy Online.
