Obuasi SHTS headmaster arrested over alleged sexual misconduct – Muntaka

The interdicted headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, has been arrested over allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students, Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has disclosed.

The Minister said the case had been transferred from the Ashanti Regional Police Command to the Police Headquarters in Accra for further investigation.

Speaking before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, October 20, Mr Muntaka said the police were pursuing legal procedures to obtain a DNA sample from the headmaster for testing against semen reportedly recovered from the dress of one of the alleged victims.

He said the matter first came to his attention on September 7, when a report was submitted to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), prompting him to insist that the case be moved to the national headquarters.

Muntaka disclosed that the headmaster had been arrested and had given a statement to the police, adding that investigations were proceeding in accordance with due process.

"It came to my attention on September 7 when the report came to the CID and I insisted that it should be moved from the Region to the national headquarters.

"As we speak, the matter is at the police headquarters being handled. We have been able to get one of the ladies, about semen. We are getting DNA as well.

"What is happening is this gentleman has been arrested, his statement has been taken and he is going through the due process," he stated.

He explained that the police needed court authorisation to obtain the headmaster’s DNA sample, and that the process was underway.

“To even get his DNA, the law requires that we have to go to court, so the process is on,” he said.

The Minister stressed that the headmaster would be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations through the appropriate legal process as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, Zakaria Abdulai, has pledged to pursue all lawful avenues to clear his name amid ongoing investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, Mr Abdulai expressed gratitude to friends, relatives and well-wishers who have continued to support him amid the allegations.

He said he would devote his attention and resources to clearing his name and vindicating his position as investigations into the matter continue.

"At this time, I intend to devote my attention and resources to pursuing all lawful avenues to clear my name and vindicate my position," he stated.

Zakaria said he remains hopeful that, once these matters are resolved, he will be able to return to active political engagement and continue contributing to the ideals and aspirations of the NDC.

The headmaster remains interdicted as investigations into the allegations continue.

Zakaria Abdulai who is also the incumbent Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Juaben Constituency, has resigned from his position and withdrawn his candidature for the constituency chairmanship election.

In a letter dated October 20, 2026, and addressed to the party’s General Secretary, Abdulai said his resignation and withdrawal from the contest took immediate effect.

"I write to formally notify you of my decision to resign from my position as the incumbent Secretary of the Juaben Constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), with immediate effect.

"I also wish to formally withdraw my candidature for the position of Constituency Chairman in the forthcoming NDC constituency elections, effective immediately," the letter stated.