Three alleged victims in the sexual abuse case involving the suspended headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) have reportedly expressed fears about being identified following media coverage of the matter, raising concerns about their continued cooperation with investigators.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, disclosed this after engaging with school authorities, appealing to journalists to exercise restraint and protect the identities of the students involved.
She said the three alleged victims had become concerned after hearing their names mentioned on some media platforms, making them reluctant to engage further with investigators for fear of public identification.
According to the Minister, withholding names alone may not be sufficient to protect the students, as some could still be recognised by their colleagues through their voices during media interviews.
The case involves allegations of sexual misconduct against the school’s suspended headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, involving female students.
Minister Warns Against Further Exposure
Dr Lartey stressed that protecting the identities of the alleged victims was essential to safeguarding their privacy, dignity and emotional well-being while investigations continued.
She cautioned that media reports that expose or make it possible to identify the students could discourage them from cooperating with investigators and potentially complicate efforts to establish the facts of the case.
The Minister therefore urged media practitioners to adopt responsible reporting practices that prioritise the welfare of the students over the public’s demand for information.
Victim Protection Central to Investigations
The concerns highlight the challenges investigators may face when alleged victims fear that participating in the process could expose them to public scrutiny.
Dr Lartey emphasised the importance of ensuring that the students feel protected and supported throughout the investigation.
She said safeguarding their identities would help prevent further distress and encourage their continued engagement with the relevant authorities.
The Minister’s appeal comes amid heightened public attention on the allegations, with calls for accountability and stronger safeguards to protect students in educational institutions.
