NDC should ask embattled Obuasi SHTS headmaster to step aside – Dwamena-Aboagye

Dr Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, has urged the NDC to ask Obuasi Senior High Technical School's headmaster to step aside from his political role while sexual abuse allegations are investigated. She made the suggestion on JoyNews’ PM Express, stressing that it would help protect the process and build survivors’ confidence.

Dwamena-Aboagye believes the headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, should be separated from his position, allowing him to clear his name should he succeed in doing so later. She acknowledged the presumption of innocence but argued that the party should still consider practices that protect complainants and prevent interference. The NDC currently allows Abdulai to contest while the investigations continue, promising to remove him if he is found guilty, even if he wins the election.

Dwamena-Aboagye emphasized the importance of recognising the difficulties survivors face in speaking out. She criticized laughter heard during a discussion about a girl’s alleged experience at a chief’s palace, stating that such reactions discourage reporting and shape institutional responses. She also criticized the lack of resolve in Ghana to implement laws, policies, and procedures to tackle an endemic issue in society.

Dwamena-Aboagye believes that the failure extends beyond political leadership and calls for a shift in cultural and human will to address the issue.