Seven families of girls who allege they were sexually abused by the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High and Technical School (SHTS) are preparing to press charges, amid reports of threats, intimidation and attempts to blackmail those seeking justice. The decision follows a meeting in Obuasi in which the families, the alleged victims and officials from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection discussed the case. During the engagement, the families recounted their alleged ordeals to the government officials, detailing the abuse they claim occurred at the school. According to the Ministry, the pursuit of justice is being complicated by threats against some of the families. “We are working with National Security to pull down those audios and videos, if possible, the ones that mention their full names so that the families will feel safe and protected,” said Gender Minister Dr. Agnes Lartey. She added that authorities are also taking steps to remove audio and video recordings circulating on social media that expose the identities of the girls, particularly content that includes their full names. The Minister said the process of removing the material had already begun but declined to provide further details, citing concerns that the threats were linked to the ongoing efforts to pursue accountability. “I don’t want to give details because their threats are centred around that, and it is not just political. Threats are coming from families and other influential persons,” she said. Lartey also said the ministry is working to identify and prosecute individuals who are allegedly threatening or blackmailing the victims and their families. “We are finding a way to track those who are calling to blackmail and threaten them so that we bring them to book as offenders of the law,” she added. The Minister revealed that more than seven people have been identified as willing to support the case, although fear of possible repercussions is forcing some to remain behind the scenes. “One of them felt it’s beyond him so he said he and the family can support from behind but because of the threats from family, how the issue has escalated overwhelms some of them. They want to support the case in running, but not to show up to report,” she said. The disclosure highlights the challenges confronting efforts to secure justice for the alleged victims, as concerns over intimidation and exposure continue to weigh on families deciding whether to participate in the case.
Article source: My Joy Online | Image credit: My Joy Online