NDC affiliation will not shield Obuasi SHTS headmaster if found guilty — Gender Minister

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, says the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Abdulai Zakaria will not be shielded from accountability by his reported affiliation with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“If the person is found guilty, definitely the laws of the land supersede any political party law,” she said in an exlusive interview with The1957News. “I’m sure the NDC will not stand in the way of justice.”

The minister said a person’s political or religious background should not influence the handling or outcome of the allegations.

“The law is no respecter of persons,” she said, adding that the background of anyone who had offended the law was not of interest to her ministry.

Abdulai, who is at the centre of allegations involving female students, has been interdicted by the Ghana Education Service while investigations continue. The NDC previously said it could take action if the allegations were established; Abdulai has since resigned as the party’s Juaben Constituency Secretary and withdrawn his candidacy for the constituency chairmanship.

The political dimension has prompted public debate about whether party affiliation could affect accountability. The minister said her focus was on the relevant issues leading to justice and protection for victims, and on ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book.

Police have said their investigation into one student’s complaint is complete and the case docket has been sent to the Attorney-General for advice. That process has not determined the truth of all allegations reported in connection with the school.