The Ghana Education Service (GES) has recommended the reposting of the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, and some other staff members following an investigation into a violent student riot on August 5, 2026.
Dr. Issahaque Munawaru, Deputy Director-General of GES in charge of Quality and Access, said the recommendation was made in the interest of the service, citing security concerns and the circumstances surrounding the disturbance.
The riot reportedly erupted after a student raised an alarm claiming to have seen a buried baby near the school’s refuse dump, close to the headmaster’s vehicle. The claim triggered unrest among students, who subsequently assaulted Mr. Abdulai and vandalised his bungalow and other school property.
The headmaster was reportedly hospitalised at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital following the assault.
The reposting recommendation follows a committee investigation into the incident and is intended to address concerns arising from the security situation at the school.
Separately, Mr. Abdulai has been interdicted over allegations of sexual misconduct involving some female students.
The Ministry of Education directed the action after allegations of sexual abuse surfaced, including testimonies featured in a documentary. He has been asked to step aside immediately and hand over the administration of the school to the Ashanti Regional Director of Education.
A formal complaint has also been lodged with the police to facilitate investigations into the allegations.
Dr. Munawaru has indicated that any staff member found culpable of sexual misconduct will face immediate dismissal and possible legal action.
The sexual misconduct allegations constitute a separate matter from the committee’s investigation into the August riot. The allegations have not, by themselves, established the headmaster’s guilt.
