The women’s rights organisation says the allegations, detailed in an investigative documentary by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, raise serious concerns about the protection of schoolchildren and the response of institutions responsible for their safety.
In a statement issued on October 20, 2026, and signed by its Convenor, Dr Akosua K. Darkwah, NETRIGHT called on the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service (GES) and law enforcement agencies to take action to ensure that the allegations are thoroughly investigated.
The documentary, titled Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, contains allegations that Mr Abdulai sexually assaulted female students after inviting them to his residence.
According to NETRIGHT, the documentary also alleges that some victims were threatened into silence, while school authorities, police officers and certain political figures who were reportedly made aware of the allegations failed to take appropriate action.
The organisation described the allegations as disturbing and said they pointed to broader concerns about the handling of sexual misconduct complaints in educational institutions.
NETRIGHT maintained that the interdiction of an accused school official, while an administrative measure, should not replace criminal investigations where serious offences are alleged.
The organisation therefore urged the Ministry of Education and GES to refer the allegations to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for investigation and possible prosecution.
It also called for stronger safeguards to protect students from sexual exploitation and abuse by individuals in positions of authority.
Among the measures proposed were clear policies on sexual misconduct involving students, thorough investigations of complaints and the permanent exclusion of individuals convicted of relevant offences from employment in the education sector.
NETRIGHT further called for an end to the practice of transferring teachers or school administrators accused of sexual misconduct to other institutions without adequately addressing the allegations.
The organisation urged education authorities to prohibit the use of students as domestic workers in the homes of school officials and to publish reports on sexual misconduct complaints and the actions taken.
It also appealed to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Legal Aid Commission to support the affected students and facilitate access to justice.
NETRIGHT said the allegations reflected a wider challenge of sexual violence against children, particularly where victims feared reporting abuse because of intimidation or the perceived influence of accused persons.
The organisation stressed the need for institutions to prioritise the protection of vulnerable students and ensure that allegations against individuals in positions of authority are handled transparently.
It pledged to continue following developments in the case and advocating for justice and protection for the affected students.
NETRIGHT also criticised the National Democratic Congress for initially clearing Mr Abdulai to contest the Juaben Constituency chairmanship election despite the allegations against him.
In its October 20 statement, the organisation urged the party to rescind the decision, arguing that political parties must uphold ethical standards while respecting the legal rights of individuals facing allegations.
However, the NDC subsequently reversed its clearance on October 20, directing Mr Abdulai to step aside from the contest to allow the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service to investigate the allegations without obstruction.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the party said the decision was taken in the interest of transparency and accountability. It stressed that the directive did not constitute a finding of guilt and that Mr Abdulai remained entitled to the presumption of innocence.
In a further development, Mr Abdulai resigned from his position as Juaben Constituency Secretary and withdrew his candidature for the chairmanship election.
His resignation and withdrawal were communicated in a letter dated October 20, 2026, addressed to the NDC General Secretary, with immediate effect.
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