Zakaria Abdulai, the interdicted headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, has resigned as Juaben Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and withdrawn his candidature for the constituency chairmanship position.
Mr. Abdulai announced his decision in a letter titled “Letter of Resignation as Juaben Constituency Secretary and Withdrawal of Candidature for Constituency Chairmanship,” stating that both decisions take immediate effect.
“I write to formally notify you of my decision to resign from my position as the incumbent Secretary of the Juaben Constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), with immediate effect,” he wrote.
He added; “I also wish to formally withdraw my candidature for the position of Constituency Chairman in the forthcoming NDC constituency elections, effective immediately.”
The decision comes amid allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School, where Mr. Abdulai served as headmaster. The allegations are under investigation, and no finding of guilt has been established.
In his letter, Mr. Abdulai expressed gratitude to friends, relatives and supporters who had stood by him following the allegations.
“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 stated.
He also thanked the NDC for giving him the opportunity to serve the party as a member and an officer.
“I am equally grateful to the National Democratic Congress for the opportunity to serve the Party as both a member and an officer. It has been a privilege to contribute to the growth and development of a political tradition that I deeply love and cherish,” he wrote.
Mr. Abdulai said he would now concentrate on efforts to clear his name.
“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 said.
He expressed hope that he would return to active political engagement after the matters had been resolved.
“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 added.
Mr. Abdulai’s withdrawal follows a series of developments within the NDC over his participation in the party’s Juaben Constituency chairmanship contest.
On October 18, 2026, the party directed him to withdraw from the race or risk disqualification, citing the allegations against him and the ongoing investigations.
However, after further consideration, the party’s Functional Executive Committee initially allowed him to continue with his candidacy following an opportunity to present his side of the matter. The party cited fairness, natural justice and the presumption of innocence.
The committee subsequently issued another directive asking him to step aside to allow an unhindered investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service.
The Ghana Education Service interdicted Mr. Abdulai on October 14, 2026, pending a full investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving students.
The Education Ministry had earlier directed his suspension, while a complaint was also reported to have been lodged with the police.
The allegations attracted public attention following an investigation by JoyNews journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni. The separate administrative and criminal investigations are expected to establish the facts surrounding the allegations.
Mr. Abdulai’s resignation letter does not indicate that he admits the allegations. Instead, he maintains his innocence and says he intends to pursue lawful avenues to clear his name.
Read the statement below:
