The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai to step aside from contesting the chairmanship of the Juaben Constituency to allow for an unhindered police investigation into allegations against him.
The decision follows further consideration by the party’s Functional Executive Committee (FEC), which says the move is intended to promote transparency and accountability.
In a press release dated October 20, and signed by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC said Abdulai’s decision to step aside would allow the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to conduct its investigations without interference.
The directive marks an update to an earlier statement issued by the party on October 19, regarding Abdulai’s candidature.
The allegations against the headmaster gained public attention following an investigative documentary by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, titled Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, which detailed allegations of rape and sexual assault involving female students.
The NDC, however, stressed that its latest decision should not be interpreted as a determination of the merits of the allegations against Abdulai.
It maintained that he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence and expressed confidence that the CID would conduct a thorough, fair and expeditious investigation.
The party added that the outcome of the investigation would guide its position on the matter.
The Ashanti Regional Election Committee and the Juaben Constituency Election Committee have also been directed to take note of the decision and act accordingly.
Mike 105.3 I Navrongo | David Adapuna
