The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reversed its earlier directive asking Zakaria Abdulai, the embattled headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, to withdraw from the party’s constituency chairmanship race.
Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande has confirmed that Abdulai can now file his nomination and contest the internal election, despite ongoing investigations into allegations of sexual abuse involving female students at the school.
Speaking on Joy News on October 19, 2026, Gbande explained that the party reconsidered its initial position after Abdulai appeared before the Functional Executive Committee to respond to concerns surrounding the allegations.
He described the earlier directive as a preliminary decision that was subject to review after the party had heard from the headmaster.
“Indeed, it is true. Those were preliminary directives that were taken,” he said.
Gbande subsequently confirmed that Abdulai had been given the go-ahead to participate in the contest.
“He can now file and proceed,” he stated.
NDC says contest approval does not clear Abdulai
Despite the reversal, Gbande stressed that the party’s decision should not be interpreted as an endorsement of Abdulai or protection from possible disciplinary action if the allegations are established.
He explained that even if the headmaster wins the constituency chairmanship election, the NDC could still take action against him depending on the outcome of the investigations.
The decision marks a change from the party’s earlier position, after its Deputy Communications Director reportedly indicated on JoyNews’ The Probe that Abdulai would be disqualified if he pursued his political ambition.
Functional Executive Committee reviews the case
Gbande said the Functional Executive Committee considered several factors before reversing the directive, including a ministerial instruction and investigations being conducted by the Ghana Education Service (GES).
He added that the committee took into account explanations Abdulai presented when he appeared before the party leadership.
According to Gbande, the headmaster also told the committee that he had initiated legal action against some individuals connected to the controversy.
However, the NDC Deputy General Secretary said he could not immediately confirm whether the legal action concerned defamation.
Abdulai’s political future remains uncertain
The latest decision allows Abdulai to continue pursuing the position of NDC constituency chairman while investigations into the allegations against him proceed.
The party has maintained that permission to contest its internal election does not amount to a determination of the allegations or an assurance that he will face no sanctions.
The outcome of the ongoing investigations could therefore still affect Abdulai’s position within the party, even if he wins the chairmanship race.
For now, the NDC’s reversal clears the way for his participation in the internal contest, while the allegations remain subject to investigation.
