“If I Should Come Into Contact With Obuasi SHTS Headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, I Will Use Pepper Spray On Him” – Hawa Koomson Fumes Over Abuse Of 19 Girls
“If I Should Come Into Contact With Obuasi SHTS Headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, I Will Use Pepper Spray On Him” – Hawa Koomson Fumes Over Abuse Of 19 Girls
The National Women’s Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson, has broken her silence on the heartbreaking sexual abuse scandal at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), and she did not mince words.
In a strong statement that has gone viral, the former Minister for Fisheries and Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East is quoted as saying: “If I should come into contact with Obuasi SHTS headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, I will use pepper spray on him.”
The comment, which reflects the deep anger among Ghanaian women, was made as she reacted to the alleged rape, sexual harassment and assault of 19 female students by the headmaster of the school.
Though the official written statement from Hawa Koomson calls for swift investigation, sources close to the NPP Women’s Organiser say she made the pepper spray comment out of frustration while speaking to a group of women organizers in Kasoa who were asking about the Obuasi case.
WHAT HAPPENED AT OBUASI SHTS?
The scandal at Obuasi SHTS was uncovered by renowned investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, in a documentary titled “Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow.”
According to the investigation, the headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, who is said to be a member of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), allegedly lured, harassed and sexually abused female students over a long period.
The case started with 5 girls reporting. After Manasseh visited the school, the number increased to 16, and as of Sunday, October 18, 2026, when he spoke on JoyNews’ The Probe, 3 more girls had come forward, bringing the total to 19 victims.
Some of the victims alleged that they were forced to perform domestic duties in the headmaster’s bungalow – washing, cooking, cleaning – where the abuse allegedly took place. Others spoke of intimidation, threats of failing them, and promises of good grades if they complied.
The revelations have sparked national outrage.
HAWA KOOMSON’S OFFICIAL POSITION
In her official statement dated October 19, 2026, Hon. Hawa Koomson called for a swift, independent and transparent investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
She said:
>A child knows no political party colours. We must never subordinate the dignity, safety, and protection of our children to partisan considerations.”
The NPP Women’s Organiser expressed deep worry about reports of intimidation and reprisals against the affected students and their families.
She urged the Police to protect the identities of the girls and ensure they receive full support throughout the investigation.
She also called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, led by Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to provide counselling, psychological care, medical assistance and other necessary support to the 19 girls.
“A child knows no political party colours. The Vice President herself must take active interest in this matter.
We are all women and mothers,” she appealed.
Beyond this specific case, Hawa Koomson challenged the GES to urgently review its child protection policies, reporting procedures and accountability mechanisms to strengthen safeguards against sexual abuse in schools nationwide.
GOVERNMENT AND GES ACTION SO FAR
Following public pressure, the Ghana Education Service has interdicted Zakaria Abdulai pending investigations, while the criminal aspects have been referred to the CID.
The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, on Monday, October 26, 2026, held a press conference where he assured Ghanaians that the Ministry will protect students at all costs.
“The Director-General of GES has been directed that no student should serve any headmaster or teacher as if they were the domestic servant of the headmaster and teachers forthwith,” Haruna Iddrisu declared.
He stressed that political affiliations will not influence the investigations, even though Mr. Abdulai is a known NDC member.
The Gender Minister, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has also met with the victims, assuring them of government support and deploying an advance team from the Department of Social Welfare, Domestic Violence Secretariat and Department of Children to assess their needs.
WOMEN’S GROUPS AND CHURCHES DEMAND JUSTICE
Several groups have added their voices.
– ECOWAS Women Groups: The Network of Peace and Security Women in the ECOWAS Space (NOPSWECO-Ghana) and the Working Group on Women, Youth, Peace and Security have called for the arrest and prosecution of all who enabled or concealed the abuse. They also want the leadership of GES to be summoned before Parliament.
– Methodist Church Ghana: The Directorate of Gender, Equity, Social Inclusion and Development (DGESID) has condemned all forms of sexual abuse and called for a thorough investigation, noting that schools must provide safe environments.
– COPOSIPI: The Coalition of Parents of Students in Private Institutions has threatened to go to court to compel authorities to protect students if action is not taken.
HEADMASTER’S RESPONSE
Suspended headmaster Zakaria Abdulai, according to reports, has confirmed that he has been cautioned by Police and granted self-recognisance bail.
He maintains his innocence and says he is awaiting his day in court.
WHY THE PEPPER SPRAY COMMENT
Those who know Hawa Koomson say her anger is understandable. As a former teacher, a mother, and a long-time advocate for women, she has always been known for her no-nonsense approach to issues affecting women and children.
It is worth remembering that Hawa Koomson herself was once at the center of a pepper spray controversy when she fired a gun at a registration centre in 2020, claiming self-defense.
Now, she is saying if she meets the man who allegedly abused 19 innocent school girls, she will not hesitate to use pepper spray on him – a comment many Ghanaian women on social media have supported.
Whether she will actually do it or not, her message is clear:
Ghanaian women are angry, and they want justice for the 19 girls of Obuasi SHTS.
The police investigation is ongoing.
Kasoanews.com will follow the case to its logical conclusion.
