The Director of Programmes and Advocacy at the Christian Council of Ghana, Dr. Joyce Larko Steiner, has questioned why it took public outcry for authorities to interdict the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, following allegations of sexual misconduct involving students.
Speaking to Peace News, Dr. Joyce Steiner expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the interdiction, questioning why action had not been taken earlier and whether the headmaster was being treated as though he were above the law.
She described the allegations as shameful and stressed that sexual harassment in any form must not be tolerated, particularly in educational institutions where students are expected to be safe and protected.
According to her, teachers have a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of students rather than engage in sexual relationships or misconduct involving them.
“The girls must get justice, and the head teacher must face the law,” she stated, adding that his political affiliation, if any, should not shield him from accountability.
Dr. Larko Steiner called on the relevant authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the allegations and take the necessary action in accordance with the law. She emphasised that the safety of students must remain paramount and that allegations of sexual misconduct must be handled with the seriousness they deserve.
Looking beyond the immediate case, Dr. Joyce Larko Steiner called for a review of reporting structures in senior high schools to enable students to report sexual misconduct safely and without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
She raised concerns about situations in which students may be exposed to risk while carrying out duties assigned to them by school authorities, particularly when such duties require them to visit the private quarters of housemasters or housemistresses.
“If going to perform a duty at a housemaster or housemistress’ bungalow puts you at risk, it should be stopped,” she said.
She argued that school authorities must examine practices that could expose students to potential abuse and introduce measures to ensure that school-related duties do not compromise their safety.
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