The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said it will not shield suspended Obuasi Senior Technical School headmaster Zakaria Abdulai from investigations into sexual abuse allegations, reversing its earlier decision that allowed him to contest the Obuasi constituency chairmanship.
General Secretary Fifi Kwetey said the party fully supports an independent and thorough investigation by law enforcement and will not interfere in any way.
He acknowledged that the NDC had not fully assessed investigative reports by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni before its initial position.
“Soon after watching those Manasseh’s tapes, I mean, comprehensively, it was no doubt at all that our earlier decision needed to be changed, and that actually is what saw the change of the decision as you saw happen on Tuesday evening before midday,” Kwetey said.
“As a party, we do not endorse any such conduct, and we want the law enforcement to do any defending job. We assure the world that this party will not in any way interfere. We want the truth to be brought out, and on the back of that truth, I mean, the country would have clear assurance that as a party and as a government, we do not cover anybody.”
The party’s handling of the matter had come under public scrutiny after its Functional Executive Committee cleared Abdullah to contest the Obuasi constituency chairmanship despite the allegations against him.
Kwetey stressed that the NDC does not condone rape, sexual misconduct or sexual abuse, regardless of the individuals involved.
He also distanced the party from comments made by one of its communication officers who attempted to defend the headmaster.
“I think one of our communication officers, in his attempt to want to defend, said things that absolutely must be condemned, that absolutely have nothing to do with this party, because this party throughout this whole process has constantly said issues that have to do with rape, sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, they are not endorsed by the party. So any officer who misspoke clearly is not speaking on behalf of this party,” he said.
The NDC’s latest position follows growing public concern over the allegations and the party’s initial handling of the case.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
