Richard Nii Amarh, a private legal practitioner and Head of Legal for the Centre for Legitimacy and Rule of Law, has described the decision to grant self-recognisance bail to Zakaria Abdulai, the suspended Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), as unfortunate.
He stated that releasing the suspect—who has been cautioned by the police while awaiting a court date—on self-recognisance bail could undermine and interfere with the ongoing probe.
He explained that one of the cardinal reasons bail is typically refused is to prevent suspects from compromising investigations into alleged criminal activities.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the lawyer noted that for a suspect accused of sexually abusing 19 students, he should have been held in custody until the investigation was concluded.
Mr Amarh asserted that the suspect could intimidate or threaten the victims and their families, severely compromising the case.
He was responding to reports that several victims have refused to cooperate with the investigation due to how the case has been managed.
“Examining how the headmaster was granted self-recognisance bail, it is unfortunate and totally wrong. One of the cardinal reasons why suspects are denied bail is to prevent them from interfering with the investigation.
Someone accused of something that scary—abusing 19 students—should have been remanded. He now has the freedom to interfere with the probe and the ability to intimidate, threaten, and harass the victims and their families. He could even press the victims’ parents to refrain from testifying. Therefore, I am not surprised some victims have stated they are no longer interested in the matter.”
He further indicated that publishing the names of sexual assault victims is wrong. If any victims are under 18 years old, it is unlawful, and the responsible media outlets could face prosecution.
Mr Amarh added that it was equally improper for the suspended headmaster to speak to the media about the matter, as doing so could prejudice his case. He was, however, quick to note that if the suspect insists on speaking, nothing legally prevents him from doing so.
Zakaria Abdulai faces serious allegations of sexual abuse and rape involving female students, exposed following an investigative documentary by Manasseh Azure Awuni titled Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow.
Following his arrest, he was granted self-recognisance bail—allowing his release without posting a cash bond—while awaiting his court appearance.
The decision has sparked intense public outrage, with civil society organisations such as Eduwatch and political commentators questioning the handling of the case.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana