Obuasi SHTS headmaster resigns NDC post amid allegations involving 19 students
Zakaria Abdulai has withdrawn from the Juaben constituency chairmanship race, saying he will pursue lawful avenues to clear his name.
The suspended headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, has resigned as the National Democratic Congress’s Juaben Constituency Secretary amid allegations of sexual abuse involving 19 female students.
Mr Abdulai, who maintains his innocence, has also withdrawn from the party’s forthcoming constituency chairmanship election.
His decision follows an NDC directive to step aside to allow an unhindered investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service. The party said the directive did not amount to a determination of the allegations against him.
In a letter dated October 20 2026 and addressed to the party’s General Secretary, Mr Abdulai said his resignation and withdrawal took immediate effect.
He said he would now concentrate his attention and resources on challenging the allegations.
“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 wrote.
“I remain hopeful that, once these matters are resolved, I will be able to return to active political engagement and continue contributing to the ideals and aspirations of the NDC.”
He did not specify the legal steps he intended to take or indicate when he expected the matter to be resolved.
Mr Abdulai thanked friends, relatives and supporters who had continued to believe in his innocence.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to my friends, relatives, and all well-wishers who have stood by me and maintained their faith in my innocence in the face of the allegations levelled against me and my office,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the NDC for the opportunity to serve the party and contribute to its development.
The letter was copied to the party’s National Chairman and Ashanti Regional Chairman.
The Ghana Education Service had already interdicted Mr Abdulai pending an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct involving students.
In a statement issued on October 14, the service said he had been directed to hand over management of the school to the Ashanti Regional Director of Education and make himself available to assist investigators. It also confirmed that a complaint had been lodged with police.
The case has prompted calls from the National Association of Graduate Teachers for the headmaster and education officials in Obuasi to be removed over their alleged handling of complaints.
NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba has alleged that concerns were raised before the matter became public and questioned whether the relevant authorities responded appropriately.
Mr Abdulai denies wrongdoing. The allegations remain under investigation.