Otiko Djaba throws challenge to Veep over Obuasi SHTS scandal

Former Gender Minister Otiko Afisa Djaba has challenged Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang to take concrete action to protect the girls allegedly affected by the sexual abuse scandal at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS).

She says the Vice President, as the highest-ranking woman in Ghana’s political leadership, must demonstrate a firm commitment to the welfare of women and girls by ensuring a thorough investigation, adequate psychological support for the affected students and measures to prevent a recurrence.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang, on Wednesday, called for due process, while acknowledging the public concern surrounding the matter, stressing that its seriousness required a careful response.

She said the case had implications not only for those directly affected but also for the future of young people, urging the public to allow the law to take its course.

However, speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mrs Djaba argued that the response to the allegations must go beyond press releases and media engagements to deliver tangible results for the students.

“She is the highest-ranking woman in decision-making in Ghana today. Women make up about 52 per cent of the country’s population, and it is by grace that she has been elevated to that position. She must therefore have the welfare of Ghanaians at heart, particularly the welfare of women and girls,” she said.

Mrs Djaba described the allegations as an abomination and called for decisive action to ensure justice for the students.

“This is not just about issuing press releases or addressing journalists. She must be firm and ensure that this does not happen again. We need concrete action to guarantee a thorough investigation and ensure that these girls receive the psychological support they need,” she stressed.

She questioned the conduct of teachers who might fail to protect students entrusted to their care, insisting that every child deserves the same protection they would expect for their own children.

“These are the children and daughters of teachers. Can these teachers do such a thing to their own children? Of course not. So why should anyone subject another person’s child to such treatment? This is an abomination and a serious call to action,” she said.

The former minister also criticised what she described as a lack of visible action by the Vice President on issues affecting women since she assumed office.

“We have not seen enough of what you have done for women since you assumed office. You must rise to the occasion and ensure that these girls are able to continue their education and have the opportunity to rise to the same level you have attained,” Mrs Djaba added.

She urged the Vice President to use her position to champion the protection, dignity and future of the affected students, warning that the response to the case would be an important test of the country’s commitment to safeguarding girls.

“Many are called, but few are chosen. She has been given this opportunity, and she must use it to make a difference in the lives of women and girls,” she said.

The allegations involving the school’s headmaster remain subject to investigation.

Calls for accountability must be accompanied by a thorough process that protects the students, respects their dignity and ensures that the facts are established.

Also read:

• Let the law take its course – Veep breaks silence on Obuasi SHTS abuse…

• Obuasi SHTS abuse: One student reportedly withdraws complaint