By Dennis Awuni | Our Democracy News
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has decided not to disqualify Mr Zakaria Abdulai from contesting for the Juaben Constituency Chairmanship position in the Ashanti Region, despite allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students levelled against him.
In a press release dated October 19, 2026, the party’s Functional Executive Committee (FEC) said the decision followed further consideration of the allegations, including an investigative report by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni and a report by a committee of the Ghana Education Service (GES).
Mr Abdulai is the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School and the NDC Constituency Secretary for Juaben.
The party stated that it initially considered requiring him to resign voluntarily or disqualifying him from the constituency chairmanship race. However, FEC subsequently invited him on Monday, October 19, to hear his side of the matter.
According to the statement, the committee also considered 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 NDC further noted that Mr Abdulai had been interdicted by the Ghana Education Service pending the outcome of investigations.
FEC said its decision was guided by the need to uphold fairness, natural justice and the constitutional rights of all parties involved, including the presumption of innocence while the matter remains under criminal investigation.
The party also cited the timelines of its ongoing electoral process as a factor in its consideration.
The allegations have attracted public attention following the investigative report by Manasseh Azure Awuni. However, the allegations remain subject to investigation, and no conclusion on criminal liability should be drawn before the appropriate processes are completed.
The NDC reiterated its zero-tolerance position on sexual abuse and harassment, particularly where students are involved.
Source: NDC National Secretariat press release dated October 19, 2026.
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