The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has attributed its change of position on allegations of sexual abuse involving Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) headmaster Zakaria Abdulai to new evidence presented in an investigative exposé by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
NDC General Secretary Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey said the party reconsidered its initial position after members gained access to and reviewed the full video and audio recordings released by the journalist.
Speaking at the party’s headquarters, Mr Kwetey explained that the NDC had not seen the complete investigative materials when it first discussed the matter on Monday.
“The party unluckily did not have access to what you call Manasseh’s comprehensive disclosure as at Monday when we had a meeting,” he said.
He said the subsequent review of the recordings convinced the party that its earlier position needed to be changed, leading to a revised decision announced on Tuesday.
“Soon after watching those Manasseh tapes comprehensively, it was no doubt at all that our earlier decision needed to be changed,” Mr Kwetey stated.
His explanation offers insight into the circumstances behind the party’s reversal as allegations involving the school headmaster continue to attract public attention and calls for accountability.
NDC Distances Itself From Controversial Defence
Mr Kwetey also disowned comments made by an NDC communication officer who attempted to defend the accused headmaster, describing the remarks as unacceptable and inconsistent with the party’s position on sexual misconduct.
“One of our communication officers, in his attempt to want to defend, said things that absolutely must be condemned, that absolutely have nothing to do with this party,” he said.
The NDC General Secretary stressed that individual party officials could not use their positions to make statements that contradicted the party’s stance against rape and sexual misconduct.
He maintained that any officer who made inappropriate remarks should take personal responsibility for them rather than attribute them to the party.
“Any officer who misspoke clearly is not speaking on behalf of this party. Personal responsibility is his,” he said.
The controversy follows allegations of sexual abuse involving female students at Obuasi SHTS, which have prompted demands for a thorough investigation and stronger measures to protect students.
The allegations against the headmaster remain subject to the relevant investigative and legal processes.
