Obuasi SHTS headmaster resigns as NDC constituency secretary, withdraws from chairmanship race

The headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, has resigned as Juaben Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and withdrawn his candidature for the constituency chairmanship, amid allegations of sexual abuse involving female students at the school.

In a letter dated October 20, 2026, and addressed to the General Secretary of the NDC, Mr Abdulai said his resignation and withdrawal from the forthcoming constituency elections took immediate effect.

The decision comes amid public concern over allegations that he sexually abused more than 14 female students at the school. The allegations have triggered calls for accountability and a thorough investigation into the matter.

Mr Abdulai, however, maintained his innocence, expressing gratitude to friends, relatives and supporters who had continued to believe in him.

“I wish to express my profound gratitude to my friends, relatives, and all well-wishers who have stood by me and maintained their faith in my innocence in the face of the allegations levelled against me and my office,” he said.

He said he was grateful to the NDC for the opportunity to serve the party and contribute to its growth and development.

Vows to clear his name

Mr Abdulai said he would now concentrate on pursuing lawful avenues to clear his name.

“At this time, I intend to devote my attention and resources to pursuing all lawful avenues to clear my name and vindicate my position. I remain hopeful that, once these matters are resolved, I will be able to return to active political engagement and continue contributing to the ideals and aspirations of the NDC,” he stated.

He did not provide further details about the legal steps he intended to take or indicate when he expected the matters to be resolved.

The letter was copied to the NDC National Chairman and the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman.

The allegations had prompted calls from the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) for the headmaster and Ghana Education Service (GES) officials in Obuasi to be removed over their alleged handling of complaints concerning the case.

NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba has alleged that concerns were raised before the matter became public and questioned whether the relevant education authorities acted appropriately.