The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reversed its directive, asking embattled Obuasi Senior High Technical School headmaster Zakaria Abdulai to withdraw from the constituency chairmanship race.
Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande says he can now file and contest while investigations into sexual abuse allegations against him continue.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, he confirmed the reversal. But he warned that winning the election would not shield the aspirant from removal.
“He can now file and proceed,” Mr Gbande said.The decision follows Abdulai’s appearance before the party’s Functional Executive Committee. Gbande said the party needed to hear his response before deciding its next move.
“Indeed, it is true. Those were preliminary directives that were taken.”
The host had asked whether an earlier withdrawal directive still stood. The party’s deputy communications director announced on The Probe that Abdulai would be disqualified if he contested.
Mr Gbande said the committee reconsidered that position after reviewing the processes already underway. These include a ministerial directive and an investigation by the Ghana Education Service.
Abdulai also told the committee he had issued writs against some individuals connected to the matter. Mr Gbande said he was unsure whether the suits concerned defamation.
The allegations are the subject of Manasseh Azure Awuni’s documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow. It examines alleged sexual abuse involving female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu directed the GES on October 13 to suspend Abdulai pending investigations. He also requested an inquiry from the police Criminal Investigation Department.
Mr Gbande said the party wanted to protect the aspirant’s rights while allowing those processes to run.
“We have given him an opportunity to state his case, and so I wouldn’t be his PRO.”
He said the General Secretary would follow the investigation closely. The findings would guide the party’s next decision.
Mr Gbande also made clear that permission to contest did not settle the allegations.
“He would have to go and make his own case,” he said.
According to Gbande, the leadership warned Abdulai that he could be removed even after winning the election if found guilty. Substantial findings during the investigation could also prompt further action.
The long-serving constituency secretary is seeking to become constituency chairman.
“But in the meantime, we think that, given the nature of the processes that have been triggered, it is only prudent and right that the party proceed with caution and follow the story keenly as it unravels.”Source: Abubakar Ibrahim
