The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ghana has acknowledged that it acted hastily in defending Zakaria Abdulai, the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) and a party constituency official, who faced allegations of sexually abusing students. NDC General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, admitted that the party's initial response was flawed, as it was based on incomplete evidence. The party had intended to ask Abdulai to step aside or withdraw from his party roles, given the seriousness of the reports circulating about him.
According to Fifi Kwetey, the party's stance shifted after a meeting with Abdulai on October 19, 2026, during which he strongly denied the allegations, presenting them as a politically motivated attempt to destroy his reputation. Abdulai cited a Ghana Education Service (GES) report that had cleared him, which led party officials to believe the allegations might be part of a plot against him. However, the party's position changed dramatically after an investigative documentary by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni was broadcast later that same evening.
The documentary, which the party had not seen prior to the meeting with Abdulai, presented new evidence that led the NDC to conclude that the matter was far more serious than initially thought. Kwetey stated that if the party had seen the documentary before the meeting, it would have paused its decision and properly assessed the evidence. The NDC subsequently reversed its stance and directed Abdulai to withdraw from his party roles.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with various stakeholders calling for accountability and action against abusive teachers. The Methodist Church has demanded an independent probe into the Obuasi SHTS abuse case, while traditional chiefs have poured libation at an alleged burial site linked to the case. The scandal has also sparked conversations about revoking licences of abusive teachers.
The headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, has since been interdicted by the GES, and the police have opened an investigation into the allegations, which centre on claims of sexual abuse involving female students at the school. Abdulai had planned to contest the Juaben constituency chairmanship race before the allegations surfaced.
Fifi Kwetey has conceded that the party's handling of the case offers an important lesson on how to respond to serious allegations, particularly those where further evidence might still emerge. The NDC has acknowledged that its failure to account for the documentary before reaching its initial decision coloured its assessment of the case.
The case highlights the need for thorough investigations and careful consideration of evidence before taking action, especially in cases involving allegations of abuse. The NDC's admission of error and willingness to learn from the experience may help to rebuild trust and demonstrate its commitment to addressing serious allegations against its members.
Key points
- NDC party admits rushing to defend Obuasi SHTS headmaster amid abuse allegations.
- Party's initial defence based on incomplete evidence, leading to a change in stance after new evidence emerged.
- Case highlights need for thorough investigations and careful consideration of evidence in allegations of abuse.
