The Minority Women’s Caucus in Parliament is demanding an explanation from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) over its initial decision to allow Zakaria Abdulai, headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), to contest the Juaben constituency chairmanship despite allegations of sexual abuse.
The Caucus tasked the party to account for its handling of the allegations, questioning why it appeared to give greater consideration to Mr Abdulai’s political ambitions than to the
concerns of the students.
At a press conference on Thursday, October 22, 2026, and addressed by Deputy Minority Leader and Asokwa MP Patricia Appiagyei, the Caucus said the NDC’s response to the controversy raises serious questions about its priorities and accountability.
Also read: Front Pages: Top newspaper headlines for Friday, 23rd October 2026
She cited developments on October 19, when the party’s Deputy General Secretary reportedly defended the decision to allow Mr Abdulai to contest the constituency chairmanship, before the party directed him to step aside on October 20.
Although the Caucus acknowledged the subsequent decision, it said the reversal did not erase the questions surrounding the party’s initial position.
“The party found time to hear its official and considered his political ambitions. What comparable urgency did it show for the girls?” the Asokwa MP asked.
The Minority Women’s Caucus said the NDC leadership must explain the considerations that informed its initial decision and the circumstances that led to the subsequent reversal.
It called for an independent investigation into any suggestion that political influence may have contributed to delays in addressing the allegations or shielded the school headmaster
from scrutiny.
“Anyone who used political office to suppress complaints or obstruct an investigation must answer for it,” the Caucus said.
The statement followed reports that at least 19 girls had allegedly been abused by Mr Abdulai. The Caucus stressed that the headmaster is entitled to a fair investigation and the
presumption of innocence, while the students deserved protection and a thorough investigation of their complaints.
It also acknowledged Mr Abdulai’s interdiction and the Interior Minister’s announcement on October 20 that he had been arrested.
However, the Caucus argued that these developments did not resolve questions about when the authorities first became aware of the allegations, what actions were taken and whether earlier complaints had been handled appropriately.
The group called for a thorough investigation of every allegation, prompt action on the case docket reportedly submitted to the Attorney-General and prosecution wherever the evidence warrants.
It also demanded an independent inquiry into the handling of earlier complaints, including possible political interference, with findings identifying officials responsible for any
established failures.
The Minority Women’s Caucus further called on the responsible ministers to account to Parliament for the chronology of events, the actions taken and the measures being implemented to protect students.
It urged the authorities to provide affected students with counseling, medical care and legal assistance, while ensuring that their identities remain confidential and that any
intimidation or retaliation is investigated.
It pledged to pursue parliamentary oversight and keep the matter before the public.