Ghanaians have been urged to wear red on Wednesday, 21 October, in solidarity with female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) amid ongoing sexual abuse allegations against the school’s interdicted headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai. The call comes from activists campaigning for justice under the banner “Wear Red on Wednesday, Justice for Obuasi SHTS Girls.”
The campaign aims to maintain public attention on the allegations and demand accountability from authorities responsible for protecting students. Several female students have accused Abdulai of sexual misconduct, sparking national concern following investigative reports by Joy News correspondent Manasseh Azure Awuni.
Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka confirmed on Tuesday that Abdulai had been arrested in connection with the allegations. The case has been transferred to Police Headquarters in Accra for further investigation, including the pursuit of legal procedures for DNA testing.
The police also confirmed that a case docket relating to a rape complaint filed by one student on 4 August has been forwarded to the Attorney-General for study and advice. They clarified that this docket pertains only to the specific complaint, while other allegations require additional investigation.
Earlier, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu interdicted Abdulai and directed the Criminal Investigations Department to investigate the claims. The campaigners say the “Red Wednesday” initiative offers a visible way for the public to back the girls and call for a credible inquiry.
The Aya Institute for Women, Politics and Media has welcomed the peaceful solidarity shown through the campaign. The organisation has also called for stronger safeguards, institutional accountability, and better protection for survivors.
Campaigners are pushing beyond the individual case towards ensuring that all students in schools are protected and that complaints of sexual abuse are taken seriously. They want authorities to establish the facts, protect the identities and welfare of alleged victims, and hold anyone found responsible accountable according to the law.
Questions have arisen about whether concerns raised before the allegations became public were properly addressed by school and education authorities. The campaign places the experiences and safety of the alleged victims at the centre of public attention as the investigation continues.
Wednesday’s call to wear red invites Ghanaians to make a public statement of support for the girls amid a case that has drawn intense scrutiny across the country.
According to Joy Online.
