NDC pledges to remove Obuasi aspirant if sexual abuse allegations proven, election win no shield

The National Democratic Congress has made a stark commitment: even if its embattled Obuasi constituency chairmanship aspirant wins the election, the party will remove him from office if investigations into sexual abuse allegations prove his guilt.

Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande announced the position on Monday, clarifying that while the NDC has allowed the aspirant—a long-serving constituency secretary—to proceed with his campaign during the investigation, no electoral victory will protect him from party sanctions or legal consequences.

The controversy stems from investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni's documentary, "Inside the Dreaded Headmaster's Bungalow," which examines serious allegations of sexual abuse involving female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School and its headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai. These allegations remain under investigation by authorities.

What triggered the party's reconsideration

The aspirant initially faced a directive to withdraw from the race or face disqualification. However, after appearing before the NDC's Functional Executive Committee, the party reconsidered its stance, allowing him to contest while investigations continue.

Gbande explained that the party's decision to permit his candidacy reflected a commitment to fair process. The aspirant was given the opportunity to present his account to leadership, and the NDC decided to await findings from ongoing investigations rather than act prematurely. He noted that the aspirant has also initiated legal actions against certain individuals related to the allegations.

The party is monitoring three key investigative processes: the Education Minister's directive, a Ghana Education Service investigation, and potential findings from other official channels. Gbande confirmed that substantial evidence of guilt during these investigations could prompt the party to take action before the formal conclusion of all inquiries.

The party's position on accountability

Gbande made clear that the NDC views this matter through the lens of child protection and public confidence in Ghana's education system. Any sanctions the party imposes will be guided by its constitution and the broader public interest.

The Deputy General Secretary stated that the party's General Secretary will closely follow the investigation's progress and use findings to make informed decisions about the aspirant's future with the organisation. The message to the candidate was unambiguous: electoral success will not serve as immunity from party discipline.

Why it matters for Ghana

This case reflects a critical tension in Ghanaian politics between due process and accountability. The NDC's approach signals that political parties are increasingly expected to take credible allegations seriously, particularly those involving abuse of minors and institutional authority. For Ghana's education sector specifically, the allegations at Obuasi SHS underscore ongoing concerns about student safety and institutional oversight in senior secondary schools.

The case also demonstrates how investigative journalism can prompt institutional action. Awuni's documentary prompted both official investigations and internal party scrutiny, showing the media's role in holding both government and political organisations accountable. As Ghana approaches elections, the handling of such cases may influence public perception of political parties' commitment to transparency and moral accountability.

For voters in Obuasi and beyond, the NDC's statement represents a benchmark against which other parties' handling of similar allegations will likely be measured going forward.