NDC goofed with initial Obuasi school sexual abuse statement; I’m glad we corrected it – Felicity Nelson

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, Felicity Nelson, has admitted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) erred in its initial statement on the sexual abuse allegations involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 24, Ms Nelson disclosed that she strongly disagreed with the party's initial response and publicly criticised it immediately after its release.

"I just want to admit that yes, our party goofed. Instantly, the minute they issued that statement, I wrote against it," she stated.

According to her, although the allegations remain unproven, the party should have prioritised the welfare of the children involved rather than allowing political considerations to overshadow the need for justice.

She stressed that political parties have a responsibility to demonstrate compassion and support for children, particularly when serious allegations of sexual abuse emerge.

"The idea that these are allegations, but as a party, we must always ensure that when we are talking about children, we must ensure that we care, and we support children," she said.

Ms Nelson maintained that while the political career of an individual facing such allegations could be put on hold, efforts to protect children and pursue justice must not be delayed.

"So even though they still stand as allegations, his political career, he can put that on hold, but we cannot put the justice we need to seek for the children on hold," she emphasised.

She further questioned the message the party's initial response sent to children and parents across the country.

"What message are we sending to the kids out there and all the mothers, all the fathers, all the parents out there?" she asked.

Despite her criticism, Ms Nelson welcomed the party's subsequent decision to revise its position, describing the correction as a positive step.

"So I feel like we did goof. I admit that we goofed, but I am glad to see that we went back and corrected that," she added.

Her comments follow public controversy surrounding allegations of sexual abuse involving female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School, brought to light through an investigative documentary by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.

The school's headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, has denied wrongdoing, and the allegations remain subject to investigation.

Ms Nelson's remarks highlight her position that the protection of children and the pursuit of justice must take precedence over political loyalty, while respecting the presumption of innocence of individuals facing allegations.