The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has met investigative journalist Manasseh Awuni Azure, over allegations of sexual assault involving the headmaster of Obuasi Secondary Technical School (Obuasi SecTech), Zakaria Abdulai.
The meeting, held at the minister’s office on Friday, October 16, followed the release of a trailer for Manasseh’s yet-to-be-aired investigative documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, which focuses on allegations of sexual assault against female students at the school.
According to the journalist, the minister invited him to provide first-hand information about the investigation to help the ministry identify appropriate measures to support the alleged victims.
The meeting was also attended by directors and heads of agencies under the ministry.
Manasseh disclosed that the ministry was taking steps to provide psychological and other forms of support to the victims, while pursuing investigations and possible prosecution of the alleged perpetrator.
He further indicated that Dr Lartey had reached out to the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to arrange a meeting on the matter.
The ministry is also expected to use the case as an opportunity to advocate reforms aimed at strengthening child protection systems and addressing gender-based and sexual violence.
Commenting on the minister’s response, Manasseh expressed hope that the initiative would receive the necessary support from relevant institutions to help prevent similar incidents and ensure that victims of sexual abuse receive adequate protection and assistance.
The investigative documentary, which had been scheduled for broadcast on JoyNews, has since aired, bringing renewed attention to the allegations and the need for effective institutional action.
The allegations against the headmaster remain subject to investigation, and the appropriate authorities are expected to establish the facts of the case.
By Gifty Boateng