Source: Citi Newsroom
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Dr William Amankrah Appiah, and the Obuasi Municipal Director of Education, Kwamena Owusu-Nketiah, to step aside with immediate effect.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, GES said the decision was intended to ensure that investigations into sexual misconduct allegations against the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, proceed without interference or the perception of interference.
The Service directed the two officials to hand over their offices and all state property in their possession to the Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Thomas Kwame Boateng.
GES also urged the public to disregard reports suggesting that Mr Abdulai had been cleared, stressing that his interdiction remains in force.
Meanwhile, Mr Abdulai has pledged to pursue all lawful avenues to clear his name as investigations into the allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students continue.
In a separate statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, the interdicted headmaster thanked friends, relatives and well-wishers for their continued support, saying he intended to focus on clearing his name.
“I intend to devote my attention and resources to pursuing all lawful avenues to clear my name and vindicate my position,” he said.
Mr Abdulai also expressed hope of returning to active political engagement after the matter had been resolved.
He recently resigned as Juaben Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and withdrew his candidature for the constituency chairmanship amid the allegations.
Despite his decision to step back from the constituency-level contests, he reaffirmed his commitment to the NDC’s ideals and aspirations.
The allegations reportedly involve more than 14 female students and have prompted calls for accountability and a thorough investigation.
The Ministry of Education has referred the matter to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for investigation.