Upper West SGBV Coalition Calls For Swift and Impartial Probe Into Obuasi School Sexual Violence Allegations

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the Upper West Region has called for a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into allegations of rape and defilement involving 19 girls at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.

The allegations reportedly implicate the school’s headmaster and include claims of similar misconduct at other institutions over several decades. The claims have not been established in court.

In a statement issued by the coalition and copied to Info Radio, its chairman, Freeman Kanton, said the group was “deeply alarmed” by the reports. It acknowledged that the Ghana Education Service (GES) had suspended the headmaster, that police had arrested him and granted him bail, and that the GES was investigating.

The coalition said those steps must be followed by a transparent process that prioritises the girls’ safety, rights and well-being. It urged the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and relevant prosecuting authorities to expedite their work and pursue accountability through lawful means, without political interference or undue delay.

It also called on the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to consider an independent investigation into whether the girls’ rights were protected and whether institutional failures, negligence or improper interference occurred.

The coalition urged the GES to preserve relevant records, cooperate with the police and CHRAJ, and provide appropriate updates without compromising the investigation or the girls’ privacy. It further called on the Ministry of Education and school authorities to protect the students from retaliation, intimidation and stigma.

The statement said the girls and their families should have access to confidential, trauma-informed psychosocial, medical, legal and safeguarding support. It urged public officials and the media to avoid speculation and statements that could prejudice the investigation or expose the girls to further harm.

“Justice must be pursued without delay, and the well-being and rights of the girls must come first,” the statement said, adding that the coalition stood in solidarity with the alleged victims and their families while calling on all parties to respect due process, confidentiality and the presumption of innocence.

The coalition said the case also highlighted the need for stronger safeguarding systems in schools, including trusted reporting channels, staff training and clear procedures for responding to allegations of sexual abuse. It said it would monitor developments and expected authorities to provide timely, factual updates while protecting the girls’ privacy.