The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed suspended Obuasi Senior High Technical School headmaster Zakaria Abdulai to withdraw from the race
The directive was disclosed by the party’s Deputy National Communications Director, Julius Anthony, during an appearance on JoyNews’ The Probe. He said the national leadership had formally communicated its position to Mr Abdulai.
“The party has directed; withdraw your attempts to contest for the chairmanship or be disqualified. That is the party’s position, well communicated to the headmaster,” Mr Anthony stated.
He explained that the decision was linked to ongoing investigations by law enforcement agencies into allegations involving the suspended school administrator.
“Our rationale is simple: this person is currently being investigated by law enforcement agencies who essentially report to our government,” he said.
Mr Abdulai, who also serves as the NDC’s Juaben constituency secretary, has faced scrutiny following a JoyNews investigation by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni into allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape involving female students.
The investigation, featured in the documentary Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, examined the allegations against him and how complaints were handled by school authorities and other relevant institutions.
On October 13, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to suspend Mr Abdulai pending a comprehensive investigation. The minister also asked the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters to investigate the allegations.
The documentary reported that students, parents and teachers had previously lodged complaints with school management, education officials and other authorities. It also raised concerns about alleged delays in addressing the complaints and possible interventions by influential individuals.
When approached for comment during the investigation, Mr Abdulai declined to address the allegations, citing ongoing inquiries by the police and the GES.
The allegations have not been established as proven, and investigations remain ongoing. The NDC’s directive concerns Mr Abdulai’s bid for the constituency chairmanship while the inquiries continue.
COMMENTS