The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, Felicity Nelson, has criticised the NDC’s initial response to sexual abuse allegations at Obuasi Senior High Technical School, saying the party should have placed the welfare of the children first.
On a panel discussion on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 24, Nelson said she opposed the statement as soon as it was released and publicly expressed her disagreement.
“Our party goofed,” she said, while welcoming the party’s subsequent correction of its position.
Children’s welfare must come first
Nelson acknowledged that the allegations remained unproven but argued that protecting children and pursuing justice should receive urgent attention regardless of an individual’s political ambitions.
She said a political career could be paused while investigations proceeded, whereas the needs of the children could not wait.
“We cannot put the justice we need to seek for the children on hold,” she said.
Nelson also questioned the reassurance the party’s response offered parents and children, stressing the responsibility of political organisations to demonstrate care when such allegations emerge.
Party changed its position
Her comments follow several changes in the NDC’s handling of Zakaria Abdulai’s bid to become its Juaben constituency chairman.
According to a report by 3News, the party directed him on October 18 to withdraw from the contest or face disqualification. It reconsidered that position the following day and allowed him to contest.
On October 20, the Functional Executive Committee reversed the clearance and instructed him to step aside pending a police investigation.
The committee said its decision was intended to promote transparency and accountability and did not determine the merits of the allegations. It also reaffirmed Abdulai’s entitlement to the presumption of innocence.
Investigations continue
Abdulai subsequently resigned as the NDC’s Juaben constituency secretary and withdrew his chairmanship candidature, Citi News reported. The Ghana Education Service has also interdicted him pending investigations.
The allegations gained wider public attention through journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni’s investigative documentary on the school.
Abdulai has denied wrongdoing. The allegations remain under investigation and have not been proven in court.
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