‘It’s Better to Defend a Liar Than a Rapist’ – Sister Derby on Obuasi SHTS Saga

According to GhanaWeb on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Ghanaian singer and media personality Sister Derby has weighed in on the sexual abuse allegations involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, arguing that protecting alleged victims should be a priority in discussions surrounding the case.

Sister Derby, known for expressing her views on social issues, made the remarks amid growing public debate over allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students at the school. Her comments were directed at people who insist that the headmaster should not be considered guilty unless a court establishes his guilt.

In a strongly worded social media post, the musician questioned the attitude of individuals she believes are more concerned about defending the accused than addressing the concerns of those who have reported sexual abuse.

She argued that people should take allegations of sexual violence seriously and avoid dismissing the experiences of alleged victims simply because the matter has not yet been decided by a court.

Sister Derby stated that those defending the accused should also consider the welfare of the young people who have come forward with allegations. She expressed concern that discussions about legal procedures could sometimes overshadow the need to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure that their complaints receive proper attention.

Addressing arguments about the possibility of false accusations, she made her position clear, saying: “It’s better to have defended a liar than to have defended a rapist!”

The statement has added to the ongoing public discussion about the balance between protecting alleged victims and respecting the legal principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Sister Derby also criticised social media users whom she accused of engaging in victim-blaming and attacking people who speak out against sexual abuse. She argued that public attention should focus on investigating allegations and holding perpetrators accountable where wrongdoing is established, rather than silencing those raising concerns.

The singer further stressed that the fight against sexual assault should not be limited by the gender of the alleged victim. In her view, society must take allegations of abuse seriously and work towards protecting vulnerable people, regardless of their circumstances.

The controversy involving Obuasi SHTS gained renewed national attention following an investigative documentary by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni titled Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow. The investigation examined allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape involving female students at the school.

The allegations have raised serious questions about student safety, the responsibilities of school authorities and how complaints of sexual misconduct are handled within educational institutions.

The Ghana Education Service has reportedly interdicted the headmaster as the matter continues to attract public scrutiny. However, the allegations remain subject to the appropriate investigative and legal processes.

The case has also prompted calls for stronger safeguarding measures to ensure that students can report abuse without fear of intimidation or retaliation. Many observers have emphasised the importance of creating safe environments in which students can seek help and have their concerns properly investigated.

Sister Derby’s comments have therefore added another voice to a debate that extends beyond the individuals involved. Her position highlights the importance of listening to alleged victims while ensuring that investigations are conducted fairly and that conclusions about guilt are based on evidence.

As the Obuasi SHTS controversy continues to generate public attention, the central issues remain the protection of students, the proper investigation of the allegations and accountability where wrongdoing is established.

Adenews feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com