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 while commenting on the alleged rape of female students by the interdicted headmaster of the Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, who’s also the NDC’s Juaben Constituency Secretary.
The suspension, announced by the party’s Communication Directorate in a statement on Thursday, October 22, takes immediate effect and will remain in place until further notice.
This comes after Mr Nortey sparked public outrage during a panel discussion on Accra-based ATV when he questioned the seriousness of rape allegations and made remarks suggesting that the act was not unusual.
“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 raped someone before.
The comments drew widespread criticism, prompting Mr Nortey to issue an apology on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in a video shared by Accra-based Okay FM on Facebook.
In the apology, he said the remarks were made during a heated discussion and did not reflect his position on rape.
“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.
Mr Nortey appealed to women, Ghanaians and party executives to forgive him, insisting that he did not support rape and would take the matter seriously if any of his female relatives became victims.
“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 expressed respect for women, citing his relationship with his mother, and appealed to the party’s constituency and national executives for forgiveness.
“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.
In its statement announcing the suspension, the NDC Communication Directorate said it viewed Mr Nortey’s remarks with “serious concern and distaste”.
The party reiterated 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 undermine 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 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.
The controversy comes amid public attention surrounding allegations of sexual abuse against Mr Abdulai, following a JoyNews investigation by Manasseh Azure Awuni titled Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow.
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