The number of students who have reported alleged sexual abuse involving the suspended headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School has increased from 16 to 19, according to JoyNews investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni. He disclosed that three more students had come forward with allegations, adding to the cases uncovered during his investigation. He also indicated that the number could rise further, as some affected students had yet to formally report their experiences.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday, October 18, Manasseh said sources at the school had informed him of the increase in the number of alleged victims. In an earlier interview on Joy FM on Thursday, October 15, about his latest documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, the journalist revealed that his initial information pointed to five students. However, the figure rose to 14 when he visited the school to investigate the allegations.
Two additional students subsequently came forward, bringing the total to 16 before the latest three cases were reported. Manasseh described the developments as particularly disturbing, given that the school had experienced a similar incident in 2018 involving a senior housemaster who was later dismissed.
He recalled that his first visit to Obuasi in 2018 was also prompted by allegations of sexual assault at the same institution, adding that his recent visit marked his second investigation into such claims at the school. The journalist explained that after returning from studies abroad, he received a message from a source at the school indicating that the situation had deteriorated. He said attempts had also been made to contact him while he was away.
According to Manasseh, addressing the latest allegations presents a greater challenge because they involve the headmaster, who occupies the highest position in the school’s administrative hierarchy. He further expressed concern over what he described as widespread knowledge of the allegations within the Obuasi community, including among members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), despite an apparent reluctance by some people to speak publicly about the matter. The allegations against the suspended headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, remain subject to investigation.
