On December 8th, 2025, the Ghana Education Service (GES) interdicted Mr. Yaw Vidzro, the Headmaster of Dzodze-Penyi Senior High School (DZOSEC). The news came through a phone call by a colleague in the Volta Region on Monday at about 4:30am and my initial reaction was “Oh, when? How?”.
Having followed certain matters in the Volta Region involving DZOSEC, close to two years, I expect to get leads about a serious case like this even before any official action is taken. When I first heard the issue was about impregnating a student, I was angry and ready to join the crusade against anyone.
But something hit me. This Headmaster has been in office for about six months and he is aware of the problems his predecessor created before he entered; why would he do such a thing? Therefore, I asked my colleague to send me all the information he has about the matter. I got the suspension letter from GES and audios of some girls allegedly telling ‘their story’.
Institutional Lapses
On July 24th, 2024, there was a publication about allegations of impersonation against the former headmaster of Dzodze-Penyi Senior High School, Prince Koffi Adiabo (a.k.a Edward Agbeti), despite following up with a petition to GES; nothing was done about it.
Nothing was done to acknowledge receipt of the petition and the many publications that followed after. The leadership of GES gave excuses which were heartbreaking to say the least. After several months a panel was set up to investigate, a move which was long overdue – by that time the accused was at large.
Looking at the suspension letter sent to Mr. Vidzro, it says “this directive arises consequent upon your alleged involvement in sexual misconduct with some female students ….” It is safe to assume that the suspension was based on hearsay or the news out there. The letter does not indicate a complaint or query to the Headmaster prior to the suspension.
Despite GES adding that “for the avoidance of doubt, this directive does not constitute a determination or presumption of guilt on your part. But it is an administrative measure issued in furtherance of due process and institutional accountability”, the nature of the action still influences public perception.
Questions arise as to whether due process was followed and procedural fairness was followed. Due to its severity and immediate detrimental effect, the process of interdiction must strictly adhere to principles of substantive and procedural fairness. The letter suggests the GES is now going to consider what to do, which does not seem well thought out
The Sexual Victims
I feel sad for those girls for so many reasons. In the last 5 years, three of my nieces whom I live with have gotten pregnant and they were all under 18! When I started seeing signs around them which suggested they were entertaining sexual partners, I tried to advise them. But like the Akans say “Advise never converted anyone” – meaning people only change when they wish to.
Somewhere around 2015 when I was living at Nima; a co-tenant was accused of defiling an underage girl. The gentleman, after spending about 2 weeks at Central Police station in Accra was later released. It turned out that the victim came out to confess that she was forced to lie about the sexual encounter. In addition, she was actually above 16 years at the time.
When it comes to criminal offences, the burden of proof the complainant has to show must be beyond reasonable doubt. The moment there are doubts which can not be substantiated when subjected under strict proof; the whole case can collapse even if the accused is guilty.
Listening to the accounts given by the supposed victims in this case with the accused Headmaster, a lot of things don’t add up. Unless the GES has some additional evidence available to them; those accounts raise so many questions!
In one of the audios circulating as proof of the Headmaster’s involvement in sexual misconduct, a girl (name withheld) called the Headmaster and said “Sir, it is me ‘ so so and so”. Sir, please I told you that I am pregnant. Now I didn’t tell anything to my parents. So I called you so that I would ask you what are we/you going to do about it”? The man responded “I am gone to funeral, if I come we will talk”. The girl then added “Sir, you will call me back on this number eh? Thank you”. How does this suggest guilt to warrant the suspension of an employee?
A lot of inferences are being made out there that, because the supposed Headmaster did not make any objection, then he is guilty; I am afraid it is not that easy! People were expecting fierce rebuke from the headmaster to prove innocence. That reaction would not make him innocent either.
Should this case proceed to court, I fear these children may not be able to withstand the fierce pushback they will face. For now, they need privacy, counseling, and guidance and their minds prepared for what is ahead of them.
DZOSEC Teachers
I would not want to be a teacher handling a situation like this, because the slightest negligence can destroy the children, the accused, the reputation of the school and that of the teacher involved. Why would the teachers record the children and mention their names and class in the audio and push it to radio stations?
I remember when my family was trying to get one of the guys who got one of my nieces pregnant to come forward to take responsibility for the pregnancy, this girl would secretly call the guy and tell him what we were planning; and sometimes meet him in secret places. It was so frustrating and up till now the guy has not shown up.
These girls, can at some point, claim that they were enticed to come forward and make those statements. For the teachers or members of management who went out granting interviews, who gave them the clearance for those engagements? Anyway, let us assume they were doing it for good intentions, what could that good intention be, is it for personal interest or for public interest? Even if motivated by a desire to protect students, the appropriate procedures must still be followed.
To this end, others are speculating this case could be a set-up to settle scores against the headmaster and one radio presenter who works with Fafa Radio. It is believed that the headmaster interfered in a football gala – Duamenefa Tournament Finals – from happening in DZOSEC. A move which was vehemently disputed from the presenter to the point where Chiefs in the area had to get involved.
Conclusion
Despite Prince Koffi Adiabo (a.k.a Edward Agbeti), former headmaster of DZOSEC been cited for working with GES for over a decade with fake certificates and forged documents; we expect to see some urgency on the part of the the GES to collect the over Gh180,000 in unearned salaries for the state, as stated in a recent audit report.
Given the circumstances, it is reasonable to question whether Mr. Vidzro would engage in such conduct so soon after assuming office just within 7 months, especially considering the controversies surrounding his predecessor. Only a thorough and fair investigation can establish the facts.
This situation demands careful, impartial handling to avoid further harm to the students, the school, or the GES. Rash decisions or incomplete investigations can result in financial losses, legal challenges, or miscarriages of justice affecting either the complainants or the accused.
