The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed Zakaria Abdulai, headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), to step aside from the party’s Juaben constituency chairmanship race to allow an unhindered investigation into allegations against him.
The decision marks another reversal in the party’s handling of the matter, following its earlier decision to allow Mr Abdulai to contest the internal election despite ongoing investigations into allegations of sexual abuse involving female students.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and signed by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the party said its Functional Executive Committee (FEC) had reconsidered its position in the 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 party said the decision should not be interpreted as a determination of the allegations against Mr Abdulai, stressing that he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.
“This position is taken in good faith and is in no way a determination of the merits of the allegations against Mr Abdulai, who remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.”
The NDC added that it expects the police to conduct a thorough investigation and said its position would be guided by the outcome.
“The Party trusts that the CID will conduct a thorough, fair and expeditious investigation, and will be guided by its outcome.”
The development follows allegations of sexual misconduct involving Mr. Abdulai, who is also seeking to become the NDC’s Juaben constituency chairman.
The allegations gained wider public attention following an investigative report by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni titled ‘Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow’, which examined claims of sexual abuse involving female students at the school.
The NDC initially directed Mr, Abdulai to withdraw from the chairmanship race or face disqualification.
It later reversed that position after inviting him to appear before the FEC and present his side of the matter. The party had said he could contest while investigations continued.
The Ghana Education Service has interdicted Mr. Abdulai pending investigations, while the CID is handling the criminal aspect of the allegations. The claims have not been established in court.
In its latest statement, the NDC directed the Ashanti Regional Election Committee and the Juaben Constituency Election Committee to take note of the decision and act accordingly.
