NDC’s Mahdi Gibril defends Juaben secretary’s chairmanship bid amid sexual assault allegations

The Acting Director of Elections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mahdi Gibril, has defended Juaben Constituency Secretary Zakaria Abdulai’s bid for the constituency chairmanship despite calls for his disqualification over sexual assault allegations involving female students.

Mr Gibril said the outcome of investigations into the allegations would determine whether Abdulai could assume a leadership position in the party if he wins the upcoming constituency elections.

He stressed that Abdulai would not be allowed to occupy the chairmanship position if investigations established his guilt, regardless of the election outcome.

“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.

Mr Gibril expressed confidence in Abdulai’s performance as constituency secretary, describing him as a competent party official whose contributions were valued by the NDC.

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

He also questioned the circumstances surrounding the allegations, cautioning against reaching conclusions before investigations were completed.

Mr Gibril suggested that the allegations could be politically motivated, although he acknowledged that the outcome of the investigations would determine the matter.

“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, who is 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 will remain in force pending a full investigation, while the police have also been requested to investigate the allegations.

The case has triggered public debate over whether Abdulai should be allowed to contest the Juaben Constituency chairmanship while the investigations remain ongoing.

By Esther Padmore Amonoo