NDC Orders Obuasi SHS Headmaster Zakaria Abdulai to Step Aside Amid CID Investigation

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed Obuasi Senior High Technical School headmaster Zakaria Abdulai to step aside as a candidate for the Juaben Constituency chairmanship, following widespread criticism over allegations against him.

The decision marks an important development in a case that has drawn public attention and raised questions about how political parties should respond when serious allegations involve people seeking leadership positions. By asking Abdulai to step aside, the party says it wants to allow an unhindered investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

In a press release dated October 20, 2026, the NDC explained that its decision was guided by the need to promote transparency and accountability. The party also made it clear that the move should not be treated as a judgment against Abdulai or proof that the allegations are true.

This distinction is important because the allegations remain subject to investigation, and Abdulai is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

The development comes after criticism of the party’s earlier decision to clear him to contest for the Juaben Constituency chairmanship. That decision had raised concerns about whether he should continue pursuing a political position while the allegations were being investigated.

The latest directive appears to address those concerns by separating the internal party contest from the work of the investigators. It also gives the CID room to examine the matter without the additional pressure that could come from Abdulai’s campaign for the constituency leadership position.

However, stepping aside as a candidate does not mean that Abdulai has been found guilty of any offence. Equally, the NDC’s decision does not settle the questions surrounding the allegations. Those matters will depend on the evidence gathered and the outcome of the appropriate process.

The case also places the NDC under public scrutiny over how it handles sensitive matters involving its members or people seeking positions within the party. Political parties are expected to protect their credibility while respecting the rights of individuals facing allegations.

For the girls reportedly involved in the case, the most important issue is whether their concerns will be handled properly and whether the investigation will establish the facts. Their welfare and the need for a fair process should remain central to the matter.

The CID’s investigation will therefore be closely watched, although the available information does not provide details about its current stage or when findings may be announced.