The governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) has decided not to disqualify the embattled Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Mr Zakaria Abdulai, from contesting the party’s Juaben Constituency Chairmanship, despite allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students.
The decision comes amid a criminal investigation into the allegations and the interdiction of Mr Abdulai by the Ghana Education Service (GES).
In a statement issued yesterday, October 19, 2026, and signed by its General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC said its Functional Executive Committee (FEC) had resolved to allow Mr Abdulai to remain in the contest in accordance with the principles of fairness and natural justice.
The party explained that although it initially considered compelling Mr Abdulai to resign voluntarily or disqualifying him from the race, it had reconsidered that position after examining the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
Allegations and Investigations
The controversy follows media reports, including an investigation by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, concerning allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
Mr Abdulai, who is also the NDC Constituency Secretary for Juaben in the Ashanti Region, has been interdicted by the GES pending investigations.
According to the NDC, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has also directed that the matter be referred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for a comprehensive criminal investigation.
The party described the allegations as extremely serious, stressing that it would not tolerate sexual abuse or harassment, particularly where students were involved.
“The NDC has zero tolerance for sexual abuse and harassment in any form, particularly against students entrusted to the care of teachers and school authorities,” the statement said.
FEC Reverses Initial Position
The statement disclosed that the FEC initially took the position that Mr Abdulai should either withdraw voluntarily from the chairmanship contest or face disqualification.
However, following further deliberations, the committee invited him on Monday, October 19, 2026, to respond to the allegations.
The committee also examined the report of a GES committee, the investigative report by Manasseh Azure Awuni and the Education Minister’s directive for a criminal investigation.
After considering these developments, the FEC concluded that disqualifying Mr Abdulai at this stage could raise questions about fairness, particularly while the allegations remained under investigation.
“Having carefully considered all of the above, FEC resolved that the Party must tread with caution and respect the constitutional rights of all parties involved, including the presumption of innocence, while the matter remains under criminal investigation,” the statement explained.
The committee also cited the timelines of the ongoing constituency electoral process as a factor in its decision.
Consequently, it resolved not to disqualify Mr Abdulai from the chairmanship contest at this stage.
NDC Defends Decision
The party maintained that its decision should not be interpreted as an endorsement of Mr Abdulai or a determination of whether the allegations against him were true.
It emphasised that responsibility for establishing the facts rested with the police and the courts.
The NDC further expressed support for an independent and expeditious investigation, urging individuals with relevant information to cooperate with the CID.
The statement also called for the protection of the alleged victims and witnesses throughout the investigative process.
“The Party further calls on all to respect the privacy, safety and dignity of the alleged victims, and cautions that no person should intimidate or pressure any complainant or witness,” it stated.
Decision Subject to Review
Despite allowing Mr Abdulai to remain in the race, the NDC indicated that its position was not final.
The party reserved the right to reconsider its decision depending on the findings of the criminal investigation.
It reiterated its commitment to protecting students from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
“The NDC remains firmly committed to the safety, dignity and future of every child in our schools,” the statement concluded.
The decision means Mr Abdulai remains eligible to contest the Juaben Constituency Chairmanship while the criminal investigation continues.
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