NDC reverses decision, directs Obuasi SHTS headmaster to step aside from Juaben constituency chairmanship race

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed embattled Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) headmaster Zakaria Abdulai to step aside from the party’s Juaben constituency chairmanship race.

The directive follows the party’s decision a day earlier to allow him to contest the election despite ongoing investigations into sexual abuse allegations against him.

The party said the latest decision was taken to promote transparency and accountability and allow the police to investigate the allegations without interference.

In a press release dated Tuesday, October 20, and signed by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC said its Functional Executive Committee (FEC) had reconsidered its earlier position.

“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 statement said in part.

The party stressed that the directive should not be interpreted as a finding against Mr Abdulai, who remains entitled to the presumption of innocence while the investigations continue.

“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 statement added.

The NDC also expressed confidence that the CID would conduct a thorough, fair and expeditious investigation, adding that its position would be guided by the outcome of the process.

The party’s Ashanti Regional Election Committee and Juaben Constituency Election Committee have been directed to take note of the decision and act accordingly.