Obuasi SHTS headmaster resigns as Juaben NDC secretary, pulls out of 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(SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, has resigned as Juaben constituency secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and withdrawn from the race for the constituency chairmanship.

Mr. Abdulai communicated the decision in a letter dated October 20, 2026, addressed to NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, announcing that his resignation and withdrawal would take effect immediately.

His decision follows the party’s latest directive requiring him to step aside from the chairmanship contest to allow the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to investigate allegations involving female students at the school.

The letter formally sets out his decision to relinquish his current party position and abandon his bid for the constituency chairmanship.

“I write to formally notify you of my decision to resign from my position as the incumbent Secretary of the Juaben Constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), with immediate effect.

“I also wish to formally withdraw my candidature for the position of Constituency Chairman in the forthcoming NDC constituency elections, effective immediately.”

Mr Abdulai also acknowledged the support he had received from people amid the allegations, thanking friends, relatives and well-wishers who had stood by 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 maintained that he would pursue lawful means to clear his name and expressed hope of returning to active political engagement after the matters had been resolved.

“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.”

The resignation comes after the NDC revised its position on Mr Abdulai’s eligibility to contest the Juaben constituency chairmanship.

The party had initially directed him to withdraw from the contest or face disqualification but later allowed him to participate after he appeared before its Functional Executive Committee to respond to the allegations.

In a subsequent statement on October 20, the party said it had reconsidered the matter and directed him to step aside to facilitate an unhindered CID investigation.

The NDC said the decision was intended to uphold transparency and accountability and did not constitute a finding against Mr Abdulai.

The allegations were brought into public discussion following journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni’s investigative documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, which examined claims of sexual misconduct involving female students at Obuasi SHTS.

The Ghana Education Service has interdicted Mr Abdulai pending investigations. The CID is investigating the criminal allegations, which have not been established in court.