Obuasi SHTS Headmaster Resigns As NDC Juaben Secretary, Withdraws From Chairmanship Race

Zakaria Abdulai, the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, has resigned as the Juaben Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and withdrawn from the contest for the constituency chairmanship amid allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students.

In a letter addressed to the party’s General Secretary, Mr Abdulai said both decisions take immediate effect, adding that he intends to pursue lawful means to clear his name.

The development follows investigations into allegations against him by the Ghana Education Service (GES), with the matter also referred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

His resignation and withdrawal come after the NDC’s Functional Executive Committee (FEC) considered his participation in the party’s ongoing constituency elections.

The NDC initially considered Mr Abdulai resigning voluntarily or disqualifying him from the Juaben Constituency chairmanship race.

However, after inviting him to present his side of the matter and reviewing reports from a GES committee, investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni and Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, the party decided not to disqualify him at that stage.

The NDC said its decision was guided by fairness, natural justice and the presumption of innocence, as investigations into the allegations remained ongoing.

Mr Abdulai has now chosen to resign from his constituency secretary position and withdraw from the chairmanship contest.

In his letter, he thanked friends, relatives and other supporters who had stood by him during the controversy, particularly those who 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 also expressed appreciation to the NDC for giving him the opportunity to serve the party as 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 stated.

Mr Abdulai said he would now focus on efforts to clear his name and defend his position through lawful channels.

“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 further expressed hope that he would return to active politics after the matters had been resolved and continue contributing to the party.

“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.”

His decision comes as the allegations remain subject to investigation by the relevant authorities.