The Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) has thrown its support behind the interdiction of the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, following allegations of sexual abuse involving more than 14 female students.
The action follows an exposé by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, which implicated the school head in systemic misconduct.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, 19 October 2026, the National Secretary of CHASS, Primus Baro, explained that step-aside procedures align fully with the fundamental principles of natural justice and due process.
Adherence to legal due process
Emphasising the necessity of allowing investigative bodies to establish the facts, Mr Baro noted that interdiction remains standard protocol to ensure an unhindered inquiry while respecting constitutional rights.
“That is the process, and this one is directly in line with the general premises of a Ghanaian law setting that, I mean, you are not guilty until you are proven guilty,” Mr Baro stated. “So definitely, that is the way to go.”
He added: “So he’s been interdicted, he’s been set aside, then based on the outcome of what the investigation will be, then further actions will be taken. So that’s what the law says, so we definitely will support that.”
Awareness of widespread complaints
Addressing whether the leadership of CHASS was privy to earlier grievances regarding the headmaster’s alleged conduct, Mr Baro confirmed that the association had been actively tracking developments through its regional machinery.
He disclosed that the Ashanti Regional Chairman of CHASS had been directly engaged since the matter surfaced, ensuring the national executive body remained informed of all incoming complaints from affected students, parents, and community members.
“Well, like I indicated, when the issue happened, our representative there, the Ashanti Regional Chairman, has always been involved,” Mr Baro explained. “So all the complaints and inputs and comments that we have all alluded to in the investigation that has been taken up, of course, we have heard them. So once we are represented, we have heard those complaints.”
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