NDC directs embattled Obuasi SHTS headmaster to step aside from chairmanship race amid CID investigation

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed its Juaben Constituency candidate, Mr Zakaria Abdulai, to step aside to allow for an unhindered investigation into allegations against him by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

The directive follows further consideration by the party’s Functional Executive Committee (FEC), which said the decision was taken in the overriding interest of transparency and accountability.

In a press release dated October 20, 2026, and signed by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC said the decision was not a determination of the merits of the allegations against Mr Abdulai.

The party stressed that Mr Abdulai remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.

“The Party trusts that the CID will conduct a thorough, fair and expeditious investigation, and will be guided by its outcome,” the statement said.

The latest directive updates an earlier press release issued on October 19, 2026, on Mr Abdulai’s candidature in the Juaben Constituency.

The NDC has also directed the Ashanti Regional Election Committee and the Juaben Constituency Election Committee to take note of the decision and act accordingly.

The development places Mr Abdulai’s candidature under review pending the outcome of the police investigation.

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Read the full statement below: