Parliament Calls on CID, Attorney-General to Fast-Track Obuasi SHTS Probe

Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights has called on the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Attorney-General to expedite investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), following reports that 19 girls have come forward in connection with the case.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 21, the Committee urged the relevant authorities to speed up investigations and any subsequent prosecution, including inquiries into allegations involving other students.

It stressed that where available evidence establishes grounds for prosecution, the necessary legal action must be taken promptly while ensuring that due process is respected.

The Committee also called on the Ministries of Education and Gender, Children and Social Protection to provide affected students with psychological counselling, psychosocial support and protection against intimidation, stigma and retaliation.

It emphasised that the privacy, dignity and educational welfare of the students must remain a priority throughout the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.

The Committee further urged the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to strengthen confidential reporting mechanisms in schools to enable students to report sexual abuse and misconduct without fear of victimisation.

Additionally, it called for a swift and impartial investigation into the conduct of any officials who may have received earlier complaints but failed to take appropriate action.

According to the Committee, any dereliction of duty established through due process must attract the appropriate accountability measures.

“The safety of students is a fundamental human rights obligation. Schools must be safe environments where children are protected, respected and able to pursue their education without fear,” the statement said.

The Committee added that it would continue to monitor developments in the case and advocate for effective safeguards to prevent similar incidents in schools.

Source: Sekunde FM