NDC clears Obuasi headmaster to contest party election amid sexual abuse probe
The party has withdrawn its earlier instruction for Zakaria Abdulai to leave the constituency chairmanship race, but says an election victory would not protect him from removal.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reversed a directive requiring Obuasi Senior High Technical School headmaster Zakaria Abdulai to withdraw from a constituency chairmanship race while sexual abuse allegations against him are investigated.
Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande said Abdulai could now file his nomination and contest. He warned, however, that winning the election would not shield the aspirant from removal.
The reversal concerns Abdulai’s participation in the party election. Investigations into the allegations remain ongoing.
“He can now file and proceed,” Mr Gbande told Joy News’ PM Express on Monday.
The decision followed Abdulai’s appearance before the NDC’s Functional Executive Committee. Mr Gbande said the party needed to hear his response before determining its next move.
Asked whether the earlier instruction to withdraw still stood, he described it as a preliminary decision.
“Indeed, it is true. Those were preliminary directives that were taken,” he said.
The party’s deputy communications director had previously said on The Probe that Abdulai would be disqualified if he contested.
Mr Gbande said the committee reconsidered that position after reviewing processes already underway, including a ministerial directive and an investigation by the Ghana Education Service.
Abdulai also told the committee that he had issued writs against some individuals connected to the matter, according to Mr Gbande.
The deputy General Secretary said he was unsure whether those suits concerned defamation.
For now, the party’s position allows him to proceed with his candidacy while those processes continue.