The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has condemned alleged efforts by some political figures to protect the interdicted headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, who is under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct. Describing such actions as the behaviour of “cheap men,” Bagbin cautioned politicians against interfering in the investigation, warning that anyone who attempts to obstruct the process would face serious consequences.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, November 10, the Speaker expressed disappointment over the conduct of certain politicians, accusing them of downplaying the allegations and treating the matter as though no wrongdoing had occurred. He further expressed concern that some individuals had reportedly attempted to support the embattled headmaster’s ambition to contest for a leadership position.
“It’s only cheap men who do that. You know? Yes. Please, let’s move away from that and do what is right. There is no society that has developed, to the best of my knowledge, by doing what is wrong. All the countries that you visit and you see they have developed; they have values that they treasure: integrity and honesty, very high,” he stated.
Bagbin stressed that Parliament was closely following developments in the case to ensure that justice was delivered, particularly for the students allegedly affected by the incidents. He reiterated his displeasure with the alleged attempts to shield the suspect, describing them as unacceptable and urging political leaders not to encourage such conduct.
“What saddened me was the attitude of politicians. They treated it as if nothing happened. And people even dared to try to support the suspect to contest for a leadership position. That is how offensive it has gone. And we should not encourage such things at all,” he said.
The Speaker also issued a stern warning to political figures who might attempt to influence or undermine the investigation, insisting that the matter must be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
“Some of us are still on the lookout. We are watching as to how this case is going to end. And those involved, particularly political leaders, if you joke with it, will punish you seriously because of this single case. We should take it very seriously. Leadership is a service; it is a sacrifice,” Bagbin cautioned.
Additionally, he called on the Attorney General to consider reviewing the existing legal framework to introduce tougher sanctions for sexual abuse offences as a way of strengthening accountability and deterring potential offenders. Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has revealed that investigations into the allegations at Obuasi Senior High Technical School are approximately 85 per cent complete. He indicated that evidence gathered so far suggests a possible prima facie case against the interdicted headmaster.
According to Mr Iddrisu, the committee set up by the Ministry of Education to investigate the matter is close to completing its work. The Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID), meanwhile, is conducting investigations into the criminal aspects of the case, including allegations of sexual assault involving some students.
