Zakaria Abdulai has resigned as Secretary of the Juaben Constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and withdrawn his candidature for the constituency chairmanship election amid allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS).
In a letter dated Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and addressed to the NDC General Secretary, Mr Abdulai announced that both decisions take immediate effect.
His decision follows the party’s directive for him to step aside from the chairmanship race to allow an unhindered investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
Mr Abdulai, who is also the headmaster of Obuasi SHTS in the Ashanti Region, is facing allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students at the school.
In his letter, he expressed gratitude to friends, relatives and well-wishers who had continued to support him and maintain their faith in his innocence despite the allegations.
He also thanked the NDC for the opportunity to serve as both a member and an officer, describing his involvement in the party as a privilege.
“At this time, I intend to devote my attention and resources to pursuing all lawful avenues to clear my name and vindicate my position,” he stated.
Mr Abdulai expressed hope of returning to active politics after the matters had been resolved, saying he remained committed to contributing to the ideals and aspirations of the NDC.
Baclground
The controversy follows allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students at Obuasi SHTS, which received wider public attention after an investigation by JoyNews journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, titled Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow.
Reports on the investigation detailed allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape involving students at the school. The allegations remain subject to investigation.
On October 13, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to suspend Mr Abdulai pending investigations and requested the police CID to investigate the matter.
READ: GES interdicts Obuasi SHTS headmaster Zakaria Abdulai over alleged sexual misconduct
The GES subsequently interdicted him on October 14, directed him to make himself available to assist with investigations and required him to hand over the management of the school to the Regional Director of Education.
NDC changes position on chairmanship bid
The allegations also drew attention to Mr Abdulai’s political position as the NDC Juaben Constituency Secretary and an aspirant for the constituency chairmanship.
On October 18, the party directed him to withdraw from the chairmanship race or risk disqualification.
However, the NDC’s Functional Executive Committee initially announced on October 19 that it would not disqualify him at that stage, citing the presumption of innocence and the need to respect the rights of all parties while investigations continued.
READ: NDC clears Obuasi SHTS headmaster to contest Juaben chairmanship despite sexual abuse allegations
The committee said it had considered reports from a GES committee, the investigative report by Manasseh Azure Awuni and the Education Minister’s directive for a police investigation.
The party subsequently reversed its position on October 20, directing Mr Abdulai to step aside to allow an unhindered investigation.
READ: NDC reverses position, orders Obuasi SHTS headmaster to step aside from Juaben chairmanship race
The NDC stressed that the directive did not amount to a determination of the allegations, which remain subject to investigation by the police and, where applicable, consideration by the courts.
Mr Abdulai’s resignation as constituency secretary and withdrawal from the chairmanship contest followed the party’s latest directive.
His letter was copied to the NDC National Chairman and the Ashanti Regional Chairman.
