By Grace Zigah
Families of students allegedly sexually abused at Obuasi Senior High and Technical School (Obuasi SHTS) by the suspended headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai are reportedly considering relocating from their communities amid growing stigma, intimidation and victimisation, as the fallout from the scandal takes a toll on the alleged victims and their relatives.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, disclosed the development during a community engagement in the Obuasi Municipality, where government officials met traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, assembly members, old students and other stakeholders to discuss the allegations involving 19 girls.
According to the minister, some families are struggling to cope with the public attention surrounding the case, with victims allegedly being blamed and stigmatised instead of receiving the support they need.
She warned that the treatment of the girls and their families risked compounding the psychological trauma associated with the alleged abuse, potentially discouraging other victims from reporting sexual misconduct.
“Some families are considering relocation because people are pointing fingers at them. People are rather victimising them instead of supporting them,” Dr Momo Lartey said.
Her disclosure has brought renewed attention to the social consequences of sexual abuse allegations, particularly in communities where victims may face public scrutiny, shame and pressure after speaking out.
Victims’ Mental Health
The Gender Minister also expressed concern about the emotional and psychological condition of some of the girls, revealing that several were reportedly experiencing severe distress.
She recounted the case of one student who, she said, no longer wanted to return to school or participate in normal activities after sharing her experience. The girl had reportedly begun blaming herself and regretting speaking out.
“There is an incident where one of the girls doesn’t want to return to school or engage in any activity in life anymore. She has regretted telling her story and blaming herself. Most of them are harbouring suicidal thoughts,” the minister said.
The disclosure raises concerns about the need for sustained psychosocial support, confidential counselling and protection for the alleged victims as investigations and possible legal proceedings continue.
Momo Lartey’s remarks also underline the risk that stigma and victim-blaming could further isolate the girls at a time when they need reassurance and support from their families, schools and communities.
The minister called for greater community solidarity, urging opinion leaders and residents to avoid actions that could expose the students to further harm or discourage others from seeking justice.
7 Families Prepare to Pursue Legal Action
The community engagement comes amid reports that seven families of girls allegedly abused by the school’s headmaster are preparing to press charges against him.
The families are reportedly facing threats, intimidation and alleged attempts to blackmail individuals seeking accountability. The details and sources of these alleged threats were not specified in the report.
The planned legal action signals a determination by some families to pursue justice despite the social pressures surrounding the case.
The reported involvement of multiple families has also intensified calls for the authorities to ensure that complainants and witnesses can participate in investigations without fear of retaliation.
Community Leaders Demand Independent Investigation
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection delegation used the engagement to discuss ways of empowering the alleged victims and strengthening mechanisms to protect children and young people from sexual misconduct.
The meeting brought together religious leaders, civil society groups, assembly members, old students of Obuasi SHTS and other community stakeholders.
Participants called for a thorough and independent investigation into the allegations, alongside measures to protect the girls and prevent further victimisation.
The discussions also focused on developing stronger community-level structures to safeguard children and young people, improve responses to sexual misconduct and ensure that alleged victims receive the support they require.
The demand for an independent probe reflects growing concern over the handling of the allegations and the need for an investigation that establishes the facts while protecting the identities, dignity and rights of the students involved.
