NDC Director of Elections defends Zakaria Abdulai’s Juaben Chairmanship bid amid sexual assault allegations

The Acting Director of Elections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mahdi Gibril, has defended the party’s Juaben Constituency Secretary, Zakaria Abdulai's bid for Chairmanship, amid calls for him to be disqualified from contesting following allegations of sexual assault involving female students.

Speaking on GhanaAkoma hosted by Sir John, Mahdi Gibril said the outcome of investigations into the allegations would determine whether Abdulai could continue to hold a leadership position in the party if he wins the upcoming constituency elections.

He maintained that Abdulai would not be allowed to occupy the chairmanship position if investigations established his guilt, even if he won the election.

“If the outcome of the investigation proves that he is guilty, he will not hold the chairmanship position despite winning. On the other hand, he will continue to serve when proven innocent,” he stated.

Mahdi Gibril also expressed confidence in Abdulai’s work as the constituency secretary, insisting that the party valued his contribution.

“What I know is that I have a competent secretary at Juaben, and the party is proud to have him,” he added.

He further suggested that the timing and circumstances surrounding the allegations could raise questions, warning against drawing conclusions before the investigations were completed.

“Don't be surprised if these sexual allegations disappear after our elections on October 24. There is a possibility that they could be part of an agenda against him, but only time will tell,” he said.

Abdulai, the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), has been interdicted by the Ghana Education Service (GES) following allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students.

The interdiction is to remain in force pending a full-scale investigation, while the police have also been asked to investigate the matter.

The allegations have sparked public debate over whether Abdulai should be allowed to contest the Juaben Constituency chairmanship while investigations are ongoing.