The National Democratic Congress has directed suspended Obuasi Senior High Technical School headmaster Zakaria Abdulai to withdraw from the NDC’s Juaben constituency chairmanship race or face disqualification.
Deputy National Communications Director Julius Anthony disclosed the decision on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday, saying the party’s national leadership had already communicated its position to Mr Abdulai.
“The party has directed: withdraw your attempts to contest for the chairmanship or be disqualified. That is the party’s position, well communicated to the headmaster,” he said.
Mr Abdulai currently serves as the NDC’s Juaben constituency secretary.
NDC Cites Ongoing Investigations
Mr Anthony said the directive was linked to ongoing investigations into allegations against the headmaster.
“Our rationale is simple: this person is currently being investigated by law enforcement agencies who essentially report to our government,” he said.
Mr Abdulai has come under scrutiny following a JoyNews investigation by Manasseh Azure Awuni titled Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow.
The documentary examined allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape involving female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School, as well as how complaints against the headmaster were handled. The allegations remain under investigation and have not been established in court.
Headmaster Suspended Pending Probe
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu on October 13 directed the Ghana Education Service to suspend Mr Abdulai pending a full investigation.
The Minister also requested a police investigation into the allegations.
The JoyNews investigation reported that complaints had earlier been submitted by students, parents and teachers to education officials and other authorities, raising questions about the response to the allegations.
Mr Abdulai declined to comment on the allegations when contacted during the investigation, citing the ongoing police and GES processes.
The NDC’s directive now places his bid for constituency chairman in doubt while those investigations continue.
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