Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah, who served as Chief Executive Officer of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital from December 2022 until April 2025, has entered the public discussion surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
In a Facebook commentary titled “Obuasi SHTS: The Vice-President Spoke. But Did Ghana’s Girls Feel Safer?”, the former hospital administrator argued that public reassurance must accompany legal procedures.
He acknowledged the importance of due process but questioned whether the Vice-President’s remarks adequately conveyed the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable students.
His central argument is that public leadership should provide confidence that institutions will respond decisively when the safety of children is at stake.
The professor also raised concerns about conflicting public accounts surrounding the headmaster’s arrest and called for clearer communication from the responsible authorities.
These are matters worthy of public examination.
However, any assessment of the Vice-President’s response should consider her complete statement alongside the institutional actions already taken.
Speaking at Kotoka International Airport on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, following an official trip to China, Vice-President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang described the allegations as a serious matter affecting the country.
According to the Ghana News Agency, she said:
“This is a very, very serious matter. It is a matter of concern to all of us.”
She further urged that the legal process be allowed to proceed, recognising the possible long-term consequences for those involved.
The Vice-President also disclosed that she had followed developments while abroad and was aware of responses from political and state institutions.
Her comments therefore went beyond a simple instruction to allow the law to take its course. They included an acknowledgment of the seriousness of the allegations and their potential consequences.
Nevertheless, Professor Addai-Mensah’s broader question remains relevant: should senior public officials communicate more explicitly about immediate protection and support for students during such investigations?
That is a legitimate subject for public debate.
The controversy follows allegations of sexual misconduct involving Mr Zakaria Abdulai, headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
The allegations gained renewed attention following investigative reporting by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
On 14 October 2026, the Ghana Education Service announced the headmaster’s interdiction pending investigations.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu also referred the allegations to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service.
Subsequently, the GES directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education and the Obuasi East Municipal Director of Education to step aside to facilitate investigations without actual or perceived interference.
The GES has further clarified that the headmaster remains interdicted and has not been cleared by the ongoing investigation.
These developments demonstrate that administrative and investigative processes have been initiated.
However, administrative action alone cannot establish whether all necessary protective measures have been implemented for students who may have been affected.
An important distinction must be made between the earlier school inquiry and the current investigations.
A committee examining the August 2026 disturbances at the school reported that the sexual harassment allegations presented to it were not substantiated by the evidence available.
The committee nevertheless identified concerns about professional boundaries, safeguarding procedures and the handling of complaints.
Its findings did not determine the outcome of the fresh allegations highlighted by subsequent investigative reporting.
The current investigations must therefore be allowed to establish the facts independently.
Neither the earlier findings nor the headmaster’s interdiction should be misrepresented as a final determination of guilt or innocence.
Professor Addai-Mensah’s contribution has also attracted interest because of his previous position as Chief Executive Officer of KATH.
He assumed leadership of the hospital in December 2022 during the administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
His tenure ended in April 2025, following which Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo assumed office as the new Chief Executive Officer in May 2025 under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
As a former institutional leader, Professor Addai-Mensah has experience of the challenges associated with public accountability, administrative decision-making and institutional communication.
His criticism of the Vice-President should therefore be examined on its merits.
Equally, his appointment under a previous political administration should not, without evidence, be treated as proof that his present commentary is politically motivated.
Public officials, former officeholders and ordinary citizens are entitled to raise concerns about government responses to matters of national importance.
The same principle applies when evaluating the actions of the current administration.
The Obuasi SHTS controversy highlights two responsibilities that must be pursued simultaneously.
First, students must be protected from possible abuse, intimidation and retaliation. Where appropriate, those who report allegations should have access to confidential reporting channels, counselling and other necessary support.
Second, individuals accused of wrongdoing must receive fair treatment and an impartial investigation.
An allegation is not a conviction. Equally, the presumption of innocence must never become an excuse for ignoring safeguarding concerns.
The responsibility of public institutions is to uphold both principles.
The Education Ministry, Ghana Education Service and law-enforcement agencies must also communicate clearly enough to prevent speculation and misinformation from undermining public confidence.
The question raised by Professor Addai-Mensah deserves a response that goes beyond the personalities involved.
The Vice-President’s call for due process is consistent with the requirement for a fair investigation.
At the same time, demands for visible safeguarding measures and transparent communication are reasonable.
The most constructive approach is to assess the actions of the responsible institutions and determine whether they are sufficient to protect students, establish the facts and prevent similar situations.
This discussion should not become a contest between supporters and critics of the government.
Instead, it should encourage answers to practical questions:
- Are affected students receiving appropriate protection and support?
- Are complaints being investigated independently and without intimidation?
- Are school authorities following clear safeguarding procedures?
- Will the public receive reliable updates without compromising the investigation?
- What reforms are needed to strengthen child protection across Ghana’s schools?
These questions are more consequential than disagreements over individual political statements.
The allegations involving Obuasi Senior High Technical School demand serious attention, careful investigation and responsible public communication.
Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah has raised concerns about whether the Vice-President’s response sufficiently reassured the public.
Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has emphasised the seriousness of the matter and the importance of allowing the law to take its course.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service and other authorities have initiated administrative and investigative measures.
The challenge now is to ensure that these processes deliver credible findings, protect students and strengthen confidence in the institutions responsible for their welfare.
Justice requires due process. Child protection requires timely action. Responsible leadership must uphold both.
That principle should guide every government, regardless of political affiliation.
Moment of Wisdom — Time for Wisdom!
By Apostle Michael Asabere
The Only Living Saint
Moment of Wisdom GH TV
www.momentofwisdomgh.com
