The Minority Women’s Caucus in Parliament has called for an independent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving the interdicted headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, as well as claims that complaints from affected students were suppressed or mishandled.

Deputy Minority Leader and Asokwa MP, Patricia Appiagyei, made the call in an interview on Adom FM, expressing concern about the handling of allegations involving 19 female students.

She cited information indicating that a complaint lodged with the police on August 4 had been investigated, with the docket subsequently forwarded to the Attorney-General for further action.

“The girls are entitled to protection, to be heard, and to have their complaints properly investigated. Those duties cannot wait for a conviction,” she said.

However, Madam Appiagyei questioned why the police reportedly indicated on October 20 that only one complaint had been investigated, despite reports suggesting that 19 girls were involved in the case.

The caucus is urging investigators to identify and engage other potential complainants, ensure their safety and provide them with the necessary support throughout the process.

It also wants an independent inquiry into possible institutional failures that may have prevented complaints from receiving the appropriate attention, insisting that any officials found to have neglected their responsibilities should be held accountable.

“Any failure by officials to act on complaints or protect the students must be investigated, with those found responsible held accountable,” she said.

Beyond the handling of the allegations, the caucus raised concerns about the New Democratic Congress (NDC)’s initial response to Mr Abdulai’s attempt to contest the party’s Juaben constituency chairmanship.

Madam Appiagyei noted that the party’s Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande, defended the decision to allow Mr Abdulai to contest on October 19, before the party asked him to step aside the following day.

Although the caucus welcomed the party’s subsequent decision, it called for an independent inquiry into claims that political considerations may have influenced the handling of the matter or delayed appropriate action.

The caucus has also appealed to the Attorney-General to expedite the review of the police docket to enable prosecution to proceed if the available evidence warrants it.

It further urged the relevant authorities to provide regular updates on the investigations while protecting the identities, welfare and dignity of the students involved.

The caucus stressed that the investigation must be conducted independently and transparently, with measures in place to protect the students and ensure that the process is not compromised.