Obuasi Senior High Technical School headmaster Zakaria Abdulai has resigned from his leadership position within the National Democratic Congress and withdrawn from the party’s constituency chairmanship race to concentrate on efforts to clear his name.
Mr Abdulai resigned as Juaben Constituency Secretary and ended his bid for constituency chairman with immediate effect amid allegations of misconduct currently under investigation.
In a letter announcing his decision, he said he would dedicate his attention and resources to pursuing all lawful avenues available to defend himself and establish his innocence.
“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.
His withdrawal follows a directive from the NDC’s Functional Executive Committee asking him to step aside from the chairmanship contest while the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service investigates the allegations.
Resignation Extends Beyond Chairmanship Race
Mr Abdulai’s decision affects both the position he already held and the office he was seeking within the Juaben Constituency.
Apart from withdrawing his candidature for constituency chairman, he has relinquished his position as constituency secretary.
The move consequently removes him from active constituency leadership while the allegations and the related investigative processes remain unresolved.
His letter did not indicate that he had resigned from the NDC entirely.
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Instead, he said he hoped to return to active political engagement after the matter had been resolved.
NDC Directed Him to Step Aside
The resignation followed a decision by the NDC’s Functional Executive Committee that Mr Abdulai should withdraw from the chairmanship election to allow the CID investigation to proceed.
The party said the directive was intended to promote transparency and accountability while preventing the internal election from interfering with the investigation.
Although Mr Abdulai had previously been allowed to remain in the race, the party later directed him to step aside as scrutiny of the allegations intensified.
The latest decision effectively ends his immediate participation in the Juaben constituency leadership contest.
Headmaster Plans Lawful Defense
Mr Abdulai said his priority would now be to pursue the appropriate legal and administrative processes to clear his name.
His statement suggests that he intends to challenge the allegations through recognized lawful channels rather than continue participating in active party politics while the matter remains under investigation.
He did not provide further details about the specific legal steps he intended to take.
The outcome of the CID investigation and any other authorized process will be central to determining whether the allegations are substantiated.
Supporters Thanked
The Obuasi SHTS headmaster expressed appreciation to friends, relatives and well-wishers who had supported him since the allegations became public.
He also thanked those who continued to believe in his innocence.
Mr Abdulai extended his gratitude to the NDC for the opportunity to serve the party as a member and constituency officer.
His message indicated that although he was stepping away from his immediate political responsibilities, he still valued his relationship with the party and the opportunity he had received to serve.
Return to Politics Remains Possible
Mr Abdulai expressed hope that he would return to active political engagement after the issues surrounding him had been resolved.
Any return is likely to depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation and the position subsequently taken by the NDC.
For now, he will no longer serve as Juaben Constituency Secretary or participate in the chairmanship election.
The constituency party will therefore have to address both his withdrawal from the race and the vacancy created by his resignation from office.
Presumption of Innocence Emphasized
The NDC has stressed that directing Mr Abdulai to step aside does not amount to a finding of guilt.
The party said he remained entitled to the presumption of innocence while the CID conducted its investigation.
No court or authorized investigative body has announced a final determination against him.
The allegations therefore remain unproven, and any further disciplinary, professional or legal action will depend on the evidence and findings produced through the relevant processes.
Investigation Takes Centre Stage
With Mr Abdulai no longer involved in the constituency chairmanship race, attention is expected to shift towards the CID investigation.
The inquiry is expected to examine the available evidence and determine whether there are grounds for further action.
Its findings could have implications for Mr Abdulai’s professional role as a school administrator, his relationship with the NDC and any future attempt to return to active politics.
Until the investigation is completed, he has indicated that his primary focus will remain on clearing his name and vindicating his position through lawful means.
