UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Sadat Dabo
The ongoing controversy surrounding the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) Zakaria Abdulai, has taken another twist following his resignation as Juaben Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and withdrawal from the party’s upcoming constituency chairmanship race
In a related development, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Dr William Amankrah Appiah, and the Obuasi East Municipal Director of Education, Mr Kwamena Owusu-Nketiah, to step aside with immediate effect as investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct involving the headmaster continue
The two developments, communicated in separate letters, add a new dimension to the controversy, which has attracted public attention
Zakaria Abdulai Resigns and Withdraws from Chairmanship Race
In a letter addressed to the General Secretary of the NDC, Mr Abdulai formally announced his resignation as the incumbent Juaben Constituency Secretary, effective immediately
He also withdrew his candidature for the position of Constituency Chairman in the forthcoming NDC constituency elections.
Explaining his decision, Mr Abdulai expressed gratitude to friends, relatives and well-wishers who, he said, had continued to believe in his innocence despite the allegations levelled against him and his office
He further thanked the NDC for giving him the opportunity to serve the party as a member and an officer, describing his service as a privilege
Mr Abdulai stated that his immediate priority was to pursue all lawful avenues to clear his name and vindicate his position
He expressed hope that after the issues had been resolved, he would return to active political engagement and continue contributing to the ideals and aspirations of the NDC
Copies of his resignation letter were sent to the National Chairman and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party.
GES Directs Two Education Directors to Step Aside
Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service has ordered Dr William Amankrah Appiah and Kwamena Owusu-Nketiah to step aside as investigations into the Obuasi SHTS matter continue
According to a GES press release dated October 20, 2026, the directive is intended to ensure that the investigation proceeds without potential interference or the perception of interference
The two directors have been instructed to hand over their offices and all state property in their possession to the Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Mr Thomas Kwame Boateng.
GES also clarified that Mr Abdulai remains interdicted, warning the public to disregard reports suggesting that he has been cleared
The Service called for calm, support and cooperation as the investigation continues
Questions over Accountability and the Way Forward
The twin developments raise questions about accountability, institutional oversight and the potential political implications of the controversy
While Mr Abdulai’s resignation and withdrawal from the NDC constituency chairmanship race are formal decisions communicated in his letter, they do not in themselves establish the outcome of the allegations against him
Similarly, the decision to direct the two education directors to step aside is an administrative measure pending investigations and should not be interpreted as proof of wrongdoing on their part
The central issue remains the outcome of the ongoing investigation into the Obuasi SHTS matter and whether all parties involved will be given a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations
For now, Mr Abdulai says he intends to clear his name through lawful means, while the GES maintains that the investigation is continuing
The big question: Will these latest developments help establish accountability and restore public confidence, or will more questions emerge as the investigation unfolds
Source – gbcuraonline.com
