The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has suspended its Communications Officer for Amasaman, Daniel Nortey, with immediate effect.

Daniel Nortey, in a viral video, was seen and heard justifying the alleged sexual abuse of female students by the headmaster of the Obuasi Senior High Technical School.

"Why are we behaving as if it is not normal to rape someone? Which man hasn't raped a lady before?" the NDC communicator said despite several attempts by his co-panel member on a TV show to correct him.

Although Daniel Nortey has apologized to Ghanaians, his behavior and unfortunate statements aren't going unpunished.

The NDC, in a statement from the National Communication Bureau, says Mr. Nortey has been suspended from all media engagements.

"The Communication Directorate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 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 Communication Directorate has also taken note of Mr. Daniel Nortey’s unreserved apology regarding his remarks. The Party acknowledges this apology but emphasizes the importance of responsible public commentary."

"Consequently, the Communication Directorate has suspended Mr. Daniel Nortey from all media appearances and public engagements in the name of the Party, with immediate effect and until further notice."

The party stated emphatically that it has "zero-tolerance stance on sexual abuse and all forms of sexual exploitation, particularly where the safety, dignity and welfare of children are concerned. We condemn remarks that trivialise such allegations or undermine the seriousness with which they must be treated".

Read full statement below:

SUSPENSION OF MR. DANIEL NORTEY FROM MEDIA APPEARANCES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

The Communication Directorate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 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 Party reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on sexual abuse and all forms of sexual exploitation, particularly where the safety, dignity and welfare of children are concerned. We condemn remarks that trivialise such allegations or undermine the seriousness with which they must be treated.

The Communication Directorate has also taken note of Mr. Daniel Nortey’s unreserved apology regarding his remarks. The Party acknowledges this apology but emphasizes the importance of responsible public commentary. 

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.

Consequently, the Communication Directorate has suspended Mr. Daniel Nortey from all media appearances and public engagements in the name of the Party, with immediate effect and until further notice.

The NDC remains committed to the protection of women and children, accountability and the principle that allegations of sexual abuse must be handled with the seriousness they deserve and in accordance with the law.

Thank you.