The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has resolved to await the outcome of investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct involving Obuasi Senior High Technical School headmaster Abdulai Zakaria before determining its next course of action against him.
The party’s position follows a meeting between its Functional Executive Committee and the embattled headmaster, during which members considered the allegations and the investigations already initiated.
The NDC Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande, explained that the committee considered the documentary produced by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, the Education Minister’s directive for a criminal investigation and the Ghana Education Service’s inquiries into the matter.
“We want to make sure that the processes are run properly. We do not want to overrun the substantive processes triggered by the Minister and the GES.”
Mustapha Gbande
He noted that Zakaria also informed the party of legal proceedings he informed the party of legal proceedings he has initiated over alleged defamation arising from the documentary.
Mr Gbande indicated that the party would monitor developments while allowing the relevant institutions to undertake their respective responsibilities. He argued that an informed decision requires the NDC to consider the findings from the different investigative processes before determining whether disciplinary action is warranted.
The Deputy General Secretary further explained that the committee interrogated the issues with Zakaria and gave him an opportunity to respond to the allegations. However, he declined to speak on the headmaster’s behalf, observing that the accused would have further opportunities to present his case before the bodies investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, the NDC leadership intends to follow the proceedings closely, with the General Secretary expected to monitor developments as the investigations progress.
NDC Clears Zakaria To Contest Despite Obuasi Allegations
Abdulai Zakaria has been cleared by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to contest for the position of constituency chairman while investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct involving the Obuasi Senior High Technical School headmaster are ongoing.
The decision marks a shift from the party’s earlier preliminary directive by the National Deputy Communications Director of the party, who instructed Mr Zakaria to, “withdraw attempts to contest for the chairmanship, or be disqualified.”
“He can now file and proceed. But be it as it may, I mean, the leadership made it very clear to him that if he’s found guilty at any point in time, even though whether he would, he may have won his election, the party will remove him and allow him to go and face the law.”
Mustapha Gbande
Mr Gbande clarified that the clearance permits Zakaria to pursue the internal party election, although it does not amount to an exoneration from the allegations. The NDC Deputy General Secretary emphasised that the party would reassess its position if substantial evidence emerges during the investigations.
The Obuasi Senior Technical School’s headmaster has denied involvement in the allegations, according to Mr Gbande, who indicated that Zakaria would have opportunities to defend himself before the relevant investigative bodies. He explained that the party considered it prudent to avoid prejudging the matter while formal inquiries and legal proceedings remained active.
In addition, the NDC leadership has linked its handling of the case to its stated commitment to strengthening public education and safeguarding children. Mr Gbande observed that the allegations were particularly significant because Zakaria was seeking to advance from his longstanding role as constituency secretary to the position of constituency chairman.
On the other hand, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has cautioned Abdulai Zakaria that winning the party’s constituency chairmanship election would not shield him from disciplinary action if investigations establish his involvement in the alleged sexual misconduct at Obuasi Senior High Technical School. The warning underscores the party’s position that its internal electoral processes will remain separate from the determination of any potential wrongdoing.
“Anytime that anything points to square substantial evidence of his involvement in this, given the nature of the investigation that are going to be carried, the party will call him back.”
Mustapha Gbande
Mr Gbande explained that the NDC’s disciplinary framework would guide any action taken against the headmaster if the allegations were substantiated. He asserted that party membership and electoral success would not confer immunity from internal sanctions or the operation of the law.
The Deputy General Secretary also linked the party’s interest in the case to its stated commitment to restoring the credibility of public schools and protecting children. He reiterated that allegations involving an educator warranted serious attention because of the responsibility teachers hold towards pupils entrusted to their care.
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