The National Women’s Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mavis Hawa Koomson, has condemned alleged sexual abuse involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High School and 19 female students.
In a statement issued on October 19, 2026, Koomson said she was moved by “profound shock, dismay and deep sorrow” following media reports, including an investigative piece by journalist Manasseh Azum Awuni, which detailed alleged incidents of rape, sexual harassment and exploitation.
The reports indicate that about 19 girls recounted alleged abuse, with claims that some incidents were reported to school authorities as far back as March 2026 without any meaningful action taken to protect the victims.
Koomson described such inaction, if established, as grave negligence and a breach of the duty of care owed to children under the supervision of educational institutions.
As a professional teacher and child rights advocate, she called on all Ghanaians, irrespective of political, religious or social affiliation, to unequivocally condemn sexual violence against girls.
She further called on the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to launch a swift, thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the matter.
“Where sufficient evidence is established, the appropriate prosecutorial authorities must pursue the necessary legal processes without fear, favour or regard to the political affiliation, social standing or institutional position of any person implicated,” she stressed.
“A child knows no political colours. We must never subordinate the dignity, safety, and protection of our children to partisan considerations,” she added.
The NPP Women’s Organiser also flagged concerns about alleged intimidation and reprisals against the victims and their families, urging authorities to guarantee their safety, protect their identities and provide a safe, confidential environment for other potential victims to come forward.
She urged the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to ensure the affected students receive professional counselling, trauma-informed psychological care and medical support.
Koomson also called on the GES to undertake a comprehensive review of its child protection and safeguarding policies, especially those governing the professional conduct of teachers, headmasters and administrators.
“Our girls must feel safe, protected, respected and empowered within the very institutions established to nurture their potential and secure their future. No girl should ever be compelled to sacrifice her dignity, safety or fundamental rights in pursuit of education,” she said.
She appealed to the Vice President to take a keen and sustained interest in the case and use her institutional influence to secure justice and strengthen protections for girls in schools.
According to her, the matter transcends politics and highlights a collective moral responsibility to protect vulnerable children.
“Justice must be pursued without fear or favour. Accountability must know no political boundaries, and the protection of our children must remain a shared national responsibility,” the statement added.
