The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended its decision to allow Zakaria Abdulai, headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, to remain in the race for the Juaben Constituency Chairmanship despite allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students.
In a statement dated October 19, the party explained that its decision was guided by the principles of fairness, natural justice, and the constitutional rights of the parties involved.
The NDC disclosed that it initially considered asking Abdulai to resign voluntarily or disqualifying him from the constituency election. However, the committee later invited him to present his side of the matter before reaching a final decision.
According to the party, its assessment considered the Ghana Education Service (GES) investigative report, findings published by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, and a directive by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu referring the allegations to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for further investigation.
The NDC maintained that the presumption of innocence must be respected while the allegations remain under criminal investigation. It also cited the timelines of its ongoing internal elections as a factor in its decision.
Consequently, Zakaria Abdulai will be allowed to contest the Juaben Constituency Chairmanship for now. However, the party has reserved the right to review its decision depending on the outcome of the investigations.
Source: newsthemegh.com