The NDC could take action against a constituency chairman aspirant implicated in the Obuasi Senior High Technical School sexual abuse allegations before investigations conclude, Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande has said.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, he said the aspirant could file and contest. But findings emerging during the investigations could prompt the party to intervene.
“Even if, in the process of the investigation, a substantial determination is made of his guilt, the party will still invite him and take a decision on that matter.”
Mr Gbande said winning the election would offer no protection if the allegations were established.
“The party will remove him and allow him to go and face the law.”
The case follows Manasseh Azure Awuni’s JoyNews documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow. It examines allegations of sexual abuse involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
Click to Watch the documentary.
Mr Gbande confirmed that the aspirant is a long-serving constituency secretary seeking the chairmanship.
He also confirmed that the party had initially directed him to withdraw or face disqualification. That position was reconsidered after he appeared before the Functional Executive Committee.
“Indeed, it is true. Those were preliminary directives that were taken.”
Mr Gbande said the party needed to hear his account because of the gravity of the allegations.
“We have given him an opportunity to state his case, and so I wouldn’t be his PRO.”
He said the committee considered the documentary, a directive from the Education Minister and a Ghana Education Service investigation in Obuasi.
The aspirant also told the party he had issued writs against some individuals connected to the matter. Gbande said he was unsure of the precise nature of those legal actions.
Those processes informed the decision to allow him to proceed while the party monitored developments.
“He can now file and proceed,” Mr Gbande said.
He maintained that the party wanted to avoid undermining the investigations or unfairly prejudicing the aspirant’s rights.
The General Secretary would follow the matter through every stage, he added. Any sanctions would be guided by the party’s constitution and the public interest.
“But in the meantime, we think that, given the nature of the processes that have been triggered, it is only prudent and right that the party proceed with caution and follow the story keenly as it unravels.”