Obuasi SHTS Abuse Allegations: NDC Vows Not to Shield Headmaster Zakaria Abdulai

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has vowed not to shield the suspended headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, over allegations of sexual abuse, insisting that law enforcement agencies must conduct an independent and thorough investigation into the matter.

Speaking at a press conference at the party’s headquarters on Thursday, October 22, 2026, NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey said the party would not interfere in the investigative process and was committed to ensuring that the truth emerged.

“We do not endorse any such conduct, and we want the law enforcement to do an independent job. We are sure they will, and this party would not in any way interfere,” he said.

Mr Kwetey stressed that the party would accept the outcome of the investigations, adding that the headmaster would face the consequences if found guilty of the allegations.

“We want the truth to be brought out. On the back of the truth, the country would have clear assurance that as a party and as government, we do not cover anybody. If he’s found guilty, he’ll pay the price. If he’s not guilty, we’ll be happy for him,” he stated.

NDC Explains Change in Position on Headmaster

The NDC General Secretary also explained the party’s change in position regarding the headmaster, following its initial call for him to withdraw from his position and subsequent appeal for him to be given an opportunity to clear his name in accordance with the presumption of innocence.

According to Mr Kwetey, the party did not have access to the full details of investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni’s report when it initially took a position on the allegations.

“The party unfortunately did not have access to Manasseh’s comprehensive disclosure as at Monday on his radio program. Manasseh aired his video and his tapes the evening of that day,” he explained.

He said the party reviewed the material subsequently released by the journalist and concluded that its earlier position needed to be reconsidered.

“Soon after watching those tapes comprehensively, it was clear that our earlier decision needed to be changed. And that actually is what saw the change of the decision as you saw happen on Tuesday even before midday,” he added.

NDC Condemns Communication Officer’s Remarks

Mr Kwetey also condemned comments allegedly made by an NDC communication officer in Amasaman while attempting to defend the situation, stressing that the remarks did not reflect the party’s position on sexual abuse and related offences.

“One of our own, unfortunately, a communication officer, in his attempt to want to defend, said things that absolutely must be condemned—that absolutely have nothing to do with this party,” he said.

He reiterated that the NDC did not endorse rape, sexual misconduct or sexual abuse, regardless of the individuals involved.

The General Secretary disclosed that the communication officer had apologised and said the party expected the apology to be clearly communicated to the public.

“So any officer who may have spoken clearly is not speaking on behalf of this party. Personal responsibility is his. I think he’s had the decency of apologizing, and we expect that the apology will be loud. The party endorses no such communication at any time,” he stated.

Investigations Into Obuasi SHTS Allegations Continue

The NDC’s comments come amid growing public concern over allegations of sexual abuse at Obuasi SHTS, with the number of students reported to have made allegations rising to 16.

The headmaster remains suspended by the Ghana Education Service (GES) pending the outcome of investigations into the matter.

The police have also forwarded the case docket to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice. The review is expected to guide decisions on the next steps, including whether criminal charges should be pursued.

Meanwhile, investigations by the GES and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service are ongoing.

The outcome of the investigations is expected to help establish the facts surrounding the allegations and determine any further administrative or legal action.