Move linked to ongoing investigation into alleged sexual misconduct at Obuasi SHS
The Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Dr William Amankrah Appiah, and the Obuasi East Municipal Director of Education, Mr Kw amena Owusu-Nketiah, to step aside with immediate effect as investigations continue into allegations of sexual misconduct involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHS).
The directive, announced in a statement issued by the GES Public Relations Unit on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, is intended to ensure that investigations into the matter proceed without interference or the perception of interference.
The decision follows allegations of sexual misconduct involving the headmaster of the school, Mr Zakaria Abdulai, whose case has triggered an ongoing investigation by the education authorities.
According to the GES, the two directors have been instructed to hand over their offices and all state property in their possession to the Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Mr Thomas Kwame Boateng.
The directive takes immediate effect, signalling the Service’s determination to allow the investigative process to proceed without any potential obstruction.
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
In the statement, the GES explained that the decision to ask the two directors to step aside forms part of measures being taken in connection with the ongoing investigations into the allegations against the Obuasi SHS headmaster.
Although the Service did not provide further details about the specific allegations or the circumstances surrounding the investigation, it stressed the need to protect the integrity of the process.
The temporary step-aside directive is intended to prevent possible interference and address concerns that could arise regarding the impartiality of the investigation.
The development places the leadership of the Ashanti Regional and Obuasi East education directorates under temporary administrative arrangements while the investigation continues.
The GES has, however, not indicated in the statement how long the two directors are expected to remain away from their respective offices.
HEADMASTER REMAINS INTERDICTED
Meanwhile, the GES has clarified that Mr Zakaria Abdulai, the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, remains interdicted pending the outcome of the ongoing investigations.
The Service cautioned the public against reports suggesting that the headmaster had been cleared of the allegations.
It urged the public to disregard such reports, emphasising that the investigative process was still ongoing.
The clarification is expected to address speculation surrounding the status of the headmaster and the progress of the case.
The continued interdiction means that the headmaster’s administrative status remains unchanged as the relevant authorities work to establish the facts surrounding the allegations.
The GES did not disclose a timeline for completing the investigation or indicate when a final decision on the matter would be announced.
DIRECTORS TO HAND OVER
As part of the administrative arrangements, Dr William Amankrah Appiah and Mr Kwamena Owusu-Nketiah are required to hand over their offices and all state property in their possession to Mr Thomas Kwame Boateng, the Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of Education.
The handover directive is intended to ensure continuity in the administration of education in the Ashanti Region and Obuasi East Municipality while the investigation proceeds.
The GES has not stated whether the two directors are facing any specific allegations of wrongdoing. The announcement instead links their temporary step-aside directive to the need to safeguard the ongoing investigative process.
Their decision to step aside should therefore be distinguished from any determination of culpability, as the statement does not establish that either director has committed an offence.
GES APPEALS FOR CALM
The Service has appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate as investigations into the matter continue.
It reiterated the importance of allowing the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation before conclusions are drawn.
The statement was signed by Mr Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at the Ghana Education Service.
The development comes at a time when issues of professional conduct, student welfare and accountability within educational institutions remain matters of public concern.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the allegations against the Obuasi SHS headmaster and inform any further administrative or disciplinary action that may be required.
For now, the GES maintains that the investigation is ongoing, the two education directors have been directed to step aside with immediate effect, and the headmaster remains interdicted.
ENDS
