The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended its decision to allow Zakaria Abdulai, headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, to contest the Juaben Constituency Chairmanship election despite allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students.
In a statement dated October 19, the party said its decision is guided by the principles of fairness, natural justice and the constitutional rights of all parties involved.
The NDC disclosed that its initial position was for Mr Zakaria Abdulai to resign voluntarily or be disqualified from the contest. However, after further consideration, the committee invited him to present his side before reaching a final decision on his participation in the ongoing electoral process.
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According to the party, the committee considered the report of a Ghana Education Service (GES) investigative committee, a report by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, and a directive from the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, referring the allegations to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for a comprehensive investigation.
After reviewing the available information, the FEC resolved to allow Mr Abdulai to remain in the race for now.
The party said the decision reflected the need to uphold the presumption of innocence while the allegations remain under criminal investigation.
It also cited the timelines of the ongoing internal electoral process as a factor in its decision.
The development means Mr Abdulai will not be disqualified from the Juaben Constituency Chairmanship contest at this stage, despite the allegations against him.
The NDC, however, has reserved the right to reconsider its position depending on the outcome of the investigations.
The party’s decision places emphasis on due process as the criminal investigation proceeds, while leaving open the possibility of further action based on the findings of the relevant authorities.