The number of students alleging sexual abuse against Zakaria Abdulai, the suspended headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, has risen from 16 to 19, JoyNews investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has disclosed.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday, October 18, Manasseh said three additional students had come forward since his initial investigation.
He noted the number could grow further, as some victims may not have reported. The figure began at five before his documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, prompting more students to speak out, reaching 14 during his school visit, then 16, and now 19.
For Manasseh, this is his second investigation at the school, following a 2018 case involving a senior housemaster who was dismissed for similar allegations.
He described the current situation as more difficult because the accused holds the school’s highest administrative position, and expressed concern that the Obuasi community, including local NDC members, is widely aware of the allegations but reluctant to speak publicly.
In light of the allegations, the National Democratic Congress has directed Abdulai, who serves as the party’s Juaben constituency secretary, to withdraw his bid for the constituency chairmanship or face disqualification.
Deputy National Communications Director Julius Anthony announced the directive on The Probe, citing ongoing law enforcement investigations.
“The party has directed: withdraw your attempts to contest for the chairmanship or be disqualified,” he said.
On October 13, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu directed the Ghana Education Service to suspend Abdulai pending a full investigation and requested the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters to investigate the allegations.
The documentary found that students, parents, and teachers had submitted complaints to school management and education officials before the suspension, raising questions about delays and alleged interventions by influential figures.
Abdulai declined to comment, citing ongoing police and GES investigations.
The allegations remain under investigation.
