The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has warned political leaders not to interfere in the sexual misconduct case involving Zakaria Abdulai, the interdicted headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School. He criticised alleged efforts to protect him.
He described attempts by some politicians to support the headmaster’s bid for a leadership position despite the allegations as the actions of “cheap men.” He warned that those involved could face serious consequences.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, November 10, Mr Bagbin said he was saddened that some political figures had acted as if nothing had happened.
“It’s only cheap men who do that. You know? Yes. Please, let’s move away from that and do what is right. As far as I know, no society has developed by doing what is wrong. The countries you visit and see as developed all treasure their values: integrity and honesty, very highly,” he said.
He said Parliament was following the case and urged political leaders not to weaken efforts to secure justice for the students involved.
“What saddened me was the attitude of politicians. They treated it as if nothing happened. And people even dared to try to support the suspect to contest for a leadership position. That is how offensive it has gone. And we should not encourage such things at all,” he stated.
Mr Bagbin also warned that political leaders who interfered in the case would face consequences. He stressed that leaders must show integrity and a sense of responsibility.
“Some of us are still watching to see how this case will end. And those involved, particularly political leaders, if you joke with it, will punish you seriously because of this single case. We should take it very seriously. Leadership is a service, is a sacrifice,” he said.
The Speaker also called on the Attorney General to consider reviewing current laws and introducing tougher penalties for sexual abuse offences.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu said investigations into the allegations were 85 per cent complete. Evidence collected so far suggests there may be a prima facie case against the headmaster.
Mr Iddrisu said the committee set up by the Ministry of Education was close to finishing its investigation. The Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) was investigating the criminal aspects of the case, including allegations that some students were sexually assaulted.
The headmaster was suspended from his duties after the allegations emerged, and police investigations are ongoing.