NDC Leadership Split Over Greater Accra Appointee Nomination Directive

KEY POINTS

• NDC chairman distances himself from nomination directive leaked online.
• Directive called for appointee nominations for Mahama’s government.
• Leadership focuses on smooth transition amid internal dispute.

The Greater Accra leadership of Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing internal disagreements following a directive from Regional Secretary Theophilus Tetteh Chaie, which asked constituency chairpersons to submit nominees for government appointments under the incoming John Dramani Mahama administration.

The directive, leaked online, led Regional Chairman Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore to issue a statement disassociating himself from the move, calling it a unilateral decision by the secretary that bypassed the party’s established structures.

This conflict highlights tensions within the party as it prepares for Mahama’s inauguration on January 7, 2025.

Chairman denies knowledge of the nomination directive

Chairman Ashie Moore emphasized that no official meeting was held to approve the directive. He stated, “This is indeed a sole decision of the Regional Secretary without any recourse to laid-down party structures.”

According to Graphic Online, the December 24 letter requested constituency chairpersons to nominate individuals for roles such as ministers, deputy ministers, and ambassadors.

However, the chairman has urged party members to disregard the directive, adding that the NDC’s transition team is currently focused on Mahama’s policy priorities for the first 120 days in office.

Regional secretary’s letter sparks public controversy

The leaked letter has stirred debate within the NDC and beyond. While the authenticity of the letter has not been directly refuted, Ashie Moore’s response suggests a lack of consultation at the regional level.

The letter instructed constituencies to provide qualified candidates’ details by December 30, 2024. The directive appears to conflict with the party’s processes, further fueling the internal dispute.

Despite the controversy, the NDC’s leadership is prioritizing a smooth transition for Mahama’s administration.

The transition team is working on key appointments and ensuring that the incoming government hits the ground running with its policy goals.

The internal division raises questions about the NDC’s unity as it assumes leadership. Observers will watch closely to see how the party resolves this issue while maintaining focus on governance.