By Grace Zigah
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has suspended its Amasaman Constituency Communications Officer, Daniel Nortey, from all media appearances and public engagements on behalf of the party following widespread outrage over his controversial remarks about the alleged sexual abuse scandal involving the suspended headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai.
The randy headmaster is the NDC Juaben constituency secretary. The suspension, announced in a statement issued by the NDC National Communication Bureau on Thursday, October 22, 2026, takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice. The party said it viewed Nortey’s comments with serious concern and distaste, particularly because the discussion involved allegations of sexual abuse and the safety and welfare of students.
The decision comes after Nortey attracted intense criticism during a televised discussion on ATV, where he was accused of trivialising rape while defending Abdulai amid allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students at the school.
During the discussion, Nortey reportedly made remarks including, “What’s wrong with being raped?” and “Which man hasn’t raped a lady before?” The comments sparked condemnation from viewers and social media users, with critics accusing the NDC communicator of normalising sexual violence and showing disregard for victims of sexual abuse.
His remarks quickly became a source of public controversy, placing both his personal conduct and the party’s position on sexual abuse under scrutiny.
NDC Distances Itself From Controversial Remarks
In its October 22 statement, the NDC National Communication Bureau made clear that Nortey’s comments did not reflect the seriousness with which the party believes allegations of sexual abuse should be treated.
The party reiterated its stated zero-tolerance position on sexual abuse and all forms of sexual exploitation, particularly where children’s safety, dignity and welfare are concerned.
It condemned remarks that could trivialise allegations of sexual violence or undermine the gravity of such complaints, stressing that discussions of the issue must be conducted responsibly and with respect for due process.
“The Communication Directorate of the National Democratic Congress has noted with serious concern and distaste the remarks made by Mr. Daniel Nortey during a televised discussion on the allegations of sexual abuse against the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School,” the statement said.
The bureau also acknowledged Nortey’s unreserved apology but maintained that public representatives and party communicators had a responsibility to exercise care when commenting on sensitive matters.
“Public commentary on matters involving allegations of sexual abuse must be guided by responsibility, sensitivity and respect for due process. Such matters must not be treated lightly or reduced to partisan debate,” the statement added.
The party consequently barred Nortey from participating in media appearances or public engagements in its name until further notice.
Nortey Apologises After Public Backlash
Following the uproar, Nortey issued an apology over the comments, acknowledging that his remarks were inappropriate and describing them as senseless.
He said he did not intend to justify sexual violence or promote harm against women and asked the NDC leadership and Ghanaians to forgive him.
Nortey also sought to assure the public that he would not take allegations of sexual abuse involving members of his own family lightly.
Controversy Follows Obuasi SHTS Sexual Abuse Scandal
Nortey’s comments emerged against the background of the allegations involving Abdulai, the former headmaster of Obuasi SHTS in the Ashanti Region.
The case attracted national attention following investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni’s documentary, Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, which examined allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape involving female students at the school.
