NDC Coalition Demands Transparent Vetting of MMDCE Aspirants in Greater Accra
In a strongly worded statement, the coalition of NDC Branch Executives in the Greater Accra Region has called on the party’s national executives to intervene and re-organize the vetting process for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the region.
The coalition has expressed grave concerns over the discovery of an “illegal shortlist” of MMDCE aspirants, alleging that the selection process has been manipulated by certain individuals to impose their preferred candidates.
Animle Oyanka Oshimpa, speaking on behalf of the coalition, has unequivocally stated the group’s strong opposition to this “unlawful and undemocratic” process, which they believe undermines transparency, accountability, and due process in the governance of local assemblies.
“It has come to our attention that certain individuals, without the mandate of the appointing authority and without adherence to established procedures, have manipulated the selection process to impose their preferred candidates,” Oshimpa said. “This development raises serious concerns about political interference, favoritism, and the erosion of public trust in the system.”
The coalition has demanded that the government and relevant authorities make the official list of shortlisted candidates and the selection criteria public, in the interest of transparency. They have also called for an independent investigation to identify and hold accountable any persons responsible for the alleged illegal shortlist.
Furthermore, the coalition has urged the President, as the appointing authority, to intervene and ensure that only qualified, competent, and duly vetted candidates are considered for these crucial positions. They have warned against any partisan manipulation of the process, stressing that the selection of MMDCEs should be based on merit, competence, and the will of the people, not the selfish interests of a few individuals.
“The National Executives should re-conduct the vetting for each District in Accra for proper transparency,” the statement read. “Failure to do so will have a dire consequence on the fortunes of the party in the region.”
The coalition has stressed its commitment to ensuring good governance, fairness, and justice in local government administration, and has vowed to resist any attempt to impose unqualified or illegally shortlisted candidates. They have called on all well-meaning Ghanaians, civil society organizations, and political stakeholders to join them in safeguarding the integrity of the local governance structures.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the spotlight is on the party’s national executives to respond swiftly and decisively to the coalition’s demands, in order to avert a potential crisis that could have far-reaching consequences for the party’s electoral prospects in the Greater Accra Region.