NDC directs embattled Obuasi SHTS headmaster to step down from chairmanship race

The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed Zakaria Abdulai, the headmaster at the centre of allegations of sexual misconduct at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), to step aside from the party’s primaries pending investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

The directive, announced in a statement issued by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, on October 20, 2026, is intended to allow for an unhindered investigation into the allegations against Abdulai.

The party said the decision was taken in the overriding interest of transparency and accountability.

“After further consideration, FEC has directed that Mr Zakaria Abdulai step aside, in the overriding interest of transparency and accountability, to allow for an unhindered investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service,” the statement said.

The directive follows an earlier press release issued by the party on October 19, 2026, on the same matter.

The FEC stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as a determination of the merits of the allegations against Abdulai.

“This position is taken in good faith and is in no way a determination of the merits of the allegations against Abdulai, who remains entitled to the presumption of innocence,” the statement added.

The party expressed confidence in the police investigation, saying it expected the CID to conduct a thorough, fair and expeditious inquiry.

It also indicated that the outcome of the investigation would guide its position on the matter.

By the statement, the Ashanti Regional Election Committee and the Juaben Constituency Election Committee have been directed to take note of the decision and act accordingly.

NDC makes U-turn, clears Obuasi SHTS headmaster to contest chairmanship race

The development comes amid allegations of sexual misconduct against Abdulai, which have attracted public attention following an investigation led by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.

The allegations include claims of sexual assault and harassment involving female students at the school. They remain allegations and have not been established through a judicial process.

The NDC’s directive is therefore intended to allow the police to investigate the matter while preserving Abdulai’s right to the presumption of innocence.

BAI/VPO

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