The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) has decided not to disqualify Zakaria Abdulai from contesting the Juaben Constituency chairmanship position in the Ashanti Region, despite allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students at Obusai Senior High Technical School.
In a press release signed by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC said it had considered media reports, including an investigative report by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, concerning Mr Abdulai, who is the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School and the party’s Constituency Secretary in Juaben.
The party described the allegations as extremely serious and reiterated its zero-tolerance position on sexual abuse and harassment, particularly involving students entrusted to the care of teachers and school authorities.
According to the statement, FEC initially took the position that Mr Abdulai should either resign voluntarily or be disqualified from the constituency chairmanship race.
However, following further consideration, the committee invited him on Monday, October 19, 2026, to present his side of the matter in accordance with the principles of fairness and natural justice.
FEC also considered a report by a Ghana Education Service (GES) committee, the investigative report by Mr Azure Awuni, and a directive from the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, referring the matter to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for a comprehensive criminal investigation.
The committee further took into account Mr Abdulai’s interdiction by the GES pending the outcome of investigations.
After reviewing the information, FEC resolved that the party must respect the constitutional rights of all parties involved, including the presumption of innocence, while the criminal investigation remains ongoing.
It said the decision not to disqualify Mr Abdulai at this stage also took into consideration the timelines of the party’s ongoing electoral process.
The party stressed that its decision should not be interpreted as a determination of the merits of the allegations, which it said remained the responsibility of the police and the courts.
The NDC expressed support for a thorough, independent and speedy investigation by the CID and urged anyone with relevant information to cooperate with investigators.
It also appealed to the public to respect the privacy, safety and dignity of the alleged victims, warning against any attempt to intimidate or pressure complainants or witnesses.
The NDC said it reserved the right to review its decision based on the outcome of the investigations.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and future of children in Ghana’s schools.
Mr Abdulai remains eligible to contest the Juaben Constituency Chairmanship position under the current decision, while the allegations remain subject to investigation.
