Akuapem North MP Sammi Awuku has warned that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) could face political consequences over the sexual abuse allegations involving students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), accusing the governing party of shielding the school’s suspended headmaster.
Awuku said the allegations against Zakaria Abdulai, who has been suspended pending investigations, raise serious concerns about the responsibility of school authorities to protect students entrusted to their care.
Speaking on UTV, the MP questioned how teachers could be held accountable for misconduct if a headmaster accused of failing in his own duty of care was not subjected to the same standards.
“If a headmaster who has been entrusted with the duty of care compromises that responsibility and betrays the parents, then it becomes difficult to punish teachers if they do the same thing,” he said.
Although the allegations have not been established in court, Awuku said reports that 19 female students had come forward to corroborate the claims made the matter too serious to be treated lightly.
He also expressed concern over Abdulai’s reported political affiliations, including his position as NDC Juaben Constituency Secretary and his reported membership of the National Film Authority board.
According to Awuku, these connections have raised questions about whether political considerations could influence how the matter is handled.
“The NDC will pay for this,” he warned, suggesting that the controversy could affect the party’s electoral prospects if Ghanaians believe it is protecting one of its own.
Awuku, however, commended the Ghana Education Service (GES) for directing officials to step aside while investigations continue. He said the process must be allowed to establish the facts and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the appropriate consequences.
He further maintained that if the allegations against Abdulai are proven, the headmaster should be dismissed and barred from teaching.
For Awuku, the issue must go beyond temporary public outrage and lead to meaningful accountability. He cautioned against allowing the passage of time to weaken efforts to establish the truth or hold those responsible to account.
“This crime has no expiry date,” he declared, insisting that accountability must apply regardless of a person’s political connections or position.
The allegations have placed renewed attention on the responsibility of school authorities to safeguard students and the need for investigations to proceed without political interference. Awuku’s warning also signals the potential political cost for the NDC if the handling of the case fuels public perceptions of unequal treatment.
