Sex scandal: Activists declare Wednesday ‘Red Wednesday’ for Obuasi SHTS girls

Activists campaigning for justice for female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) have declared Wednesday. October 21, “Red Wednesday”, urging Ghanaians to wear red as a show of solidarity with the girls at the centre of sexual abuse allegations against the school’s interdicted headmaster.

The campaign, promoted online under the call “Wear Red on Wednesday — Justice for Obuasi SHTS Girls”, seeks to keep public attention on the allegations and press for accountability from the authorities responsible for protecting students.

The initiative comes amid mounting public concern over reports that several female students have accused the headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, of sexual misconduct.

The case has drawn national attention following reports by Joy News investigative correspondent Manasseh Azure Awuni, prompting calls for the allegations to be investigated thoroughly and for students who may have suffered abuse to receive protection and support.

Headmaster arrested as investigation advances

The campaign comes as the case enters a critical stage. Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka disclosed on Tuesday that Mr Abdulai had been arrested in connection with the allegations and was going through the due process.

The minister said the investigation had been transferred to Police Headquarters in Accra for further attention, with investigators pursuing the necessary legal procedures for DNA testing.

Separately, the police have confirmed that a case docket concerning a rape complaint filed by one student on August 4 has been forwarded to the Attorney-General for study and advice. The police have clarified that the docket relates to that specific complaint, while other reported allegations would require further investigation.

Mr Abdulai was earlier interdicted following a directive from Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, who also asked the Criminal Investigations Department to investigate the allegations.

Call for solidarity and accountability

The “Red Wednesday” initiative provides members of the public with a visible way to express support for the girls and call for a credible investigation.

The campaign also comes amid wider questions about whether concerns raised before the matter became public were adequately addressed by school and education authorities.

The Aya Institute for Women, Politics and Media has welcomed peaceful public solidarity, including the Red Wednesday initiative, while calling for stronger safeguards, institutional accountability and better protection for survivors.

For campaigners, the demand extends beyond the individual case to the protection of students in schools and the need for complaints of sexual abuse to be taken seriously.

The authorities have been urged to establish the facts, protect the identities and welfare of alleged victims, and ensure that anyone found to have committed or enabled wrongdoing is held accountable in accordance with the law.

As Ghanaians are encouraged to wear red, the campaign places the experiences and safety of the alleged victims at the centre of public attention, while the investigation continues.