The party’s decision follows public backlash over comments he made while discussing sexual abuse allegations against the interdicted Obuasi SHTS headmaster.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has barred its Amasaman Communications Officer, Daniel Nortey, from all media appearances and public engagements on behalf of the party following controversial remarks he made about allegations of sexual abuse involving female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS).
The allegations concern the school’s interdicted headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, who also serves as the NDC’s Juaben Constituency Secretary.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, the party’s Communication Directorate announced that the restriction takes immediate effect and will remain in place until further notice.
Controversial remarks spark public outrage
Mr Nortey came under widespread criticism following a panel discussion on Accra-based ATV, during which he questioned the seriousness of rape allegations and made remarks widely condemned as trivialising sexual violence.
“He’s a rapist, and so what? Haven’t you done that before? Is today the first time someone is raping someone?” he said during the discussion.
He also turned to another panellist and asked whether the person had ever raped someone, further fuelling public outrage over his comments.
Following the backlash, Mr Nortey issued an apology on Wednesday, October 21, in a video shared on Facebook by Accra-based Okay FM.
He attributed his remarks to the heated nature of the discussion and expressed regret over their impact.
“During the interview, we were having heated discussions, and so, in the heat of the moment, I ended up making such remarks, which I have regretted. So I am asking for forgiveness from Ghanaians and anyone who has been affected by my comments,” he said.
Nortey appeals to women and party leadership
In his apology, Mr Nortey appealed to women, the Ghanaian public and party executives to forgive him, insisting that he did not support rape and would not treat such allegations lightly if a female relative became a victim.
“I’m appealing to women and Ghanaians to forgive me. I have sisters and daughters as well, and there is no way I will support rape issues. In fact, if any of my female relatives becomes a victim, I will not take the issue lightly,” he stated.
He also invoked his respect for his mother as he sought to assure the public of his regard for women.
“I adore and respect my mother very much, and in the same vein, I accord the same respect to every woman. My constituency, NDC and national executives should forgive me. My intentions were not to cause harm, but it has happened, and I apologise,” he added.
NDC condemns comments on sexual abuse
In announcing the restriction, the NDC Communication Directorate said it viewed Mr Nortey’s remarks with “serious concern and distaste”.
The party reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on sexual abuse and all forms of sexual exploitation, particularly where the safety, dignity and welfare of children are concerned.
It condemned comments that trivialise allegations of sexual abuse or diminish the seriousness with which such cases must be treated.
Although the Directorate acknowledged Mr Nortey’s unreserved apology, it stressed that public commentary on 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 said.
The party further reaffirmed its commitment to protecting women and children, promoting accountability and ensuring that allegations of sexual abuse are handled with the seriousness they deserve and in accordance with the law.
Controversy follows investigative report
The development comes amid heightened public attention surrounding allegations of sexual abuse involving Mr Abdulai, following a JoyNews investigation by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni titled Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow.
The report prompted the Ghana Education Service to interdict the headmaster as investigations into the allegations continued.
Mr Nortey’s comments and the NDC’s subsequent action have added to the public debate over the handling of sexual abuse allegations, the responsibility of political communicators and the need to protect the dignity and welfare of alleged victims.
The allegations against Mr Abdulai remain subject to investigation and have not been established by the allegations alone.
