The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Dr William Amankrah Appiah, and the Obuasi Municipal Director of Education, Kwamena Owusu-Nketiah, to step aside with immediate effect.

The directive forms part of ongoing investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, the GES said the decision was intended to ensure that the investigations proceed without potential interference or the perception of interference.

The two directors have been directed to hand over their offices and all state property in their possession to the Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Thomas Kwame Boateng.

The GES also said the headmaster remains interdicted, contrary to reports suggesting otherwise.

“The headmaster also remains interdicted. Therefore, the public is urged to ignore any news making the rounds that the headmaster has been cleared,” the GES stated.

The service called for calm, support and cooperation as the investigation continues.

The development follows allegations of sexual misconduct involving the headmaster, which are currently under investigation.