NDC suspends communicator over insensitive rape remarks; party reaffirms zero-tolerance stance

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has indefinitely suspended its Amasaman Communications Officer, Daniel Nortey, from all media appearances and public engagements following deeply controversial remarks he made while discussing rape allegations against an NDC party official.

The suspension, announced by the party's Communication Directorate on Thursday, October 22, takes immediate effect. It stems from Mr Nortey's comments during a panel discussion on Accra-based ATV, where he questioned the seriousness of rape allegations and suggested the act was commonplace. In the discussion, he remarked: "He's a rapist, and so what? Haven't you done that before? Is today the first time someone is raping someone?" He also asked fellow panellists whether they had committed rape.

The apology and party response

Following public outrage, Mr Nortey issued a video apology on Wednesday, October 21, claiming his remarks were made "in the heat of the moment" during heated discussion and did not reflect his true position. He appealed for forgiveness from Ghanaians and women, emphasising that he has sisters and daughters and would take sexual abuse seriously if they were affected.

However, the NDC's Communication Directorate made clear that an apology, though acknowledged, was insufficient. The party stated it viewed the comments with "serious concern and distaste" and stressed that public commentary on sexual abuse allegations must be guided by responsibility, sensitivity and respect for due process.

"Such matters must not be treated lightly or reduced to partisan debate," the Directorate said in its statement.

Why it matters for Ghana

This incident highlights ongoing conversations in Ghana about how serious crimes, particularly sexual abuse, are discussed in public discourse. The case centres on allegations against Zakaria Abdulai, the interdicted headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School and NDC Juaben Constituency Secretary, whose conduct has drawn public scrutiny following a JoyNews investigation titled "Inside the Dreaded Headmaster's Bungalow" by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.

The NDC's swift action demonstrates pressure on political parties to distance themselves from trivialising sexual abuse, especially involving young people. Ghana's media landscape frequently features political figures commenting on sensitive legal matters, and this suspension signals that such commentary carries reputational risks. The case also underscores broader concerns about child safety in educational institutions and the responsibility of public figures to handle such matters with gravity.

Advocacy groups and civil society have long pushed for stronger accountability in Ghana regarding sexual abuse allegations. The NDC's reiteration of its "zero-tolerance stance on sexual abuse and all forms of sexual exploitation, particularly where the safety, dignity and welfare of children are concerned" reflects growing public expectation that political parties adopt firm positions on gender-based violence.

The broader context

Sexual abuse in Ghana's educational sector has become an increasingly documented problem, with investigative journalism playing a key role in exposing such cases. Professionals in sensitive positions—whether educators, administrators or political communicators—face heightened scrutiny when they handle such allegations irresponsibly. The NDC's suspension of Nortey signals that even apologies may not quickly restore credibility when public figures minimise rape or trivialise victims' experiences.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that allegations of sexual abuse are handled "with the seriousness they deserve and in accordance with the law."