Accra, Ghana, October 22, 2026: The interdicted headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, has filed a defamation lawsuit against investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni and Multimedia Group Limited, the parent company of JoyNews, seeking GH¢2 million in damages over publications he says damaged his reputation.
The lawsuit, filed at the High Court in Accra on 16 October 2026, concerns publications that Zakaria Abdulai says appeared on Multimedia Group platforms, including Joy FM, Adom FM, MyJoyOnline and Joy TV. He argues that the reports falsely portrayed him as having sexually harassed female students at the school.
Zakaria Abdulai is seeking damages, legal costs and a court order restraining Manasseh Azure Awuni and Multimedia Group Limited from publishing further statements he considers defamatory. The precise reliefs sought should be confirmed against the filed court documents.
The claims in the lawsuit represent Zakaria Abdulai's position. The court has not established that the publications were defamatory, and the merits of the case remain to be determined.
Why is Zakaria Abdulai suing Manasseh Azure?
Zakaria Abdulai disputes the allegations reported about him and argues that the publications damaged his professional standing and personal reputation.
The reports attracted national attention following investigative journalist Manasseh Azure's documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster's Bungalow, which examined allegations of sexual abuse involving female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
The documentary and subsequent coverage brought questions about student safety, the handling of complaints and institutional accountability into public discussion.
The defamation lawsuit is a separate legal matter from the sexual abuse allegations. Filing the suit does not establish that the reports were false, just as the existence of sexual abuse allegations does not automatically establish that the publications were legally justified.
What is the status of the sexual abuse investigation?
Zakaria Abdulai was interdicted pending investigations into the allegations involving students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
The Ghana Police Service has referred a case file concerning a student's complaint to the Attorney-General for legal advice. The referral is a step in the criminal justice process and does not, by itself, establish criminal liability or confirm that a prosecution has commenced.
Reports have also referred to allegations involving 19 girls. The number and nature of the allegations must be attributed to the relevant reporting and should not be presented as findings established by a court.
The parliamentary Human Rights Committee has called for faster investigations and protection for the students involved.
The committee's intervention has highlighted the need for authorities to investigate complaints promptly, protect students from intimidation and provide appropriate support throughout the process.
What the case means for investigative journalism and student protection
The lawsuit involving Zakaria Abdulai, Manasseh Azure Awuni and Multimedia Group Limited raises questions about the relationship between defamation law, public-interest journalism and institutional accountability.
People who believe their reputations have been harmed by publications can seek legal redress. At the same time, investigative journalism can bring allegations of serious misconduct to public attention, particularly where questions arise about how institutions respond to complaints.
The court must assess the evidence in the defamation case and determine whether the challenged publications meet the relevant legal standards.
Separately, the authorities must establish the facts surrounding the sexual abuse complaints through a fair and thorough process.
For students who report sexual abuse, access to justice requires more than the existence of complaint procedures. It also requires safe reporting channels, protection against intimidation and retaliation, appropriate psychosocial support and timely investigations.
The parliamentary Human Rights Committee's call for faster investigations and student protection makes these responsibilities central to the Obuasi Senior High Technical School case.
The outcome of the defamation lawsuit will not, on its own, determine whether the sexual abuse allegations are substantiated. Equally, the allegations against Zakaria Abdulai remain unproven in court.
The priority is a fair legal process, the protection of the students involved and accountability from the institutions responsible for responding to complaints.
Gender Lens Africa will continue to follow developments in the case.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Zakaria Abdulai suing Manasseh Azure Awuni?
Zakaria Abdulai, the interdicted headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, has sued investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni and Multimedia Group Limited over publications he claims were defamatory. He is seeking GH¢2 million in damages and other reliefs.
How much is Zakaria Abdulai claiming in damages?
Reports on the lawsuit state that Zakaria Abdulai is seeking GH¢2 million. The exact breakdown of the damages and other reliefs should be verified against the court documents.
What is the status of the Obuasi SHTS investigation?
Police have referred a case file concerning one student's complaint to the Attorney-General for legal advice. This does not establish guilt or confirm that a prosecution has commenced.
Have the sexual abuse allegations been proven in court?
No court finding establishing the allegations is identified in the information available for this article. The allegations remain unproven in court.
Does the defamation lawsuit mean the reports were false?
No. The lawsuit contains claims made by Zakaria Abdulai. The court must assess the evidence before determining whether the publications were defamatory.
