A deepening rift has emerged within the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Fanteakwa North Constituency of the Eastern Region, as constituency executives have openly appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in what they describe as the “uncooperative and divisive” leadership style of the District Chief Executive (DCE), Abubakar Osman.
The growing tension, which threatens to shake the party’s unity at the constituency level, came to public attention during a news conference held on Monday, where executives accused the DCE of sidelining party structures, neglecting grassroots supporters and failing to work in harmony with the very executives who toiled for the party’s electoral victory.
Addressing the media, the Fanteakwa North Constituency Communication Officer, Mohammed Awal, flanked by Constituency Chairman, Mr. Daniel Amoafo Mayele and several branch and constituency executives expressed frustration over what they described as a continuous pattern of disrespect towards the party leadership in the constituency.
According to the executives, major government projects are being executed within the district without the knowledge, consultation or involvement of constituency executives, a development they believe undermines the authority and relevance of the party at the grassroots level.
They specifically cited the government’s flagship 24-hour economy market project, alleging that the project had already been awarded to a contractor, without any official briefing or consultation with constituency executives.
The executives argued that such actions create unnecessary suspicion and dissatisfaction among party supporters, many of whom actively campaigned for the NDC during the 2024 general elections, with the expectation of inclusive governance and transparent leadership.
“We are shocked that critical projects are ongoing in our district and yet the very executives who worked tirelessly for the party are left completely in the dark,” one executive lamented during the press conference.
The aggrieved executives further accused the DCE of failing to undertake a constituency-wide familiarization tour since his appointment nearly a year ago by President Mahama.
According to them, several grassroots supporters across communities within the district have never had the opportunity to interact with or even formally meet the DCE.
They stated that repeated concerns raised by branch executives and party faithful regarding the DCE’s absence and perceived inaccessibility have yielded no positive response.
The executives warned that the situation is gradually creating disaffection among party supporters and weakening the NDC’s grassroots structures ahead of future political contests.
Another major concern raised at the press conference centered on the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) equipment allocated to the district.
The executives alleged that the DRIP machines have remained parked at the district assembly premises for months while roads across many communities continue to deteriorate, causing frustration among residents and commuters.
According to them, the inability to deploy the machines for road rehabilitation was damaging the image of the government and giving political opponents ammunition to criticize the NDC administration.
They also accused the DCE of failing to actively participate in important social activities within the constituency, including funerals, weddings, and community gatherings.
The executives stressed that political leadership at the local level requires visible interaction with the people, especially during social events that strengthen bonds between party leaders and the grassroots.
They claimed the DCE’s absence from such activities has created a perception that he is disconnected from the people and uninterested in constituency affairs.
The executives therefore called directly on President John Dramani Mahama to step in and caution the DCE before the internal dissatisfaction escalates into a full-blown political crisis capable of affecting the fortunes of the party in the constituency.
“We are appealing to President Mahama to intervene immediately because this situation, if not addressed, could negatively affect the unity and electoral strength of the NDC in Fanteakwa North,” the executives stated.
DCE Fires Back, Rejects Allegations
In a swift response to the allegations, Abubakar Osman, the District Chief Executive, firmly denied claims that he has neglected party structures or sidelined constituency executives in the administration of the district.
Speaking in response to the accusations, the DCE insisted that he had consistently maintained communication with party leadership and executives through established party channels.
According to him, during periods when the substantive constituency chairman was unavailable, he regularly engaged the acting chairman on matters concerning the district.
He further explained that constituency communication platforms have consistently been used to share updates on government activities and district developments with party executives.
“Every major decision and activity have always been communicated to the party leadership,” the DCE maintained.
Mr. Osman also highlighted several initiatives he says demonstrate his commitment to supporting party members and strengthening the NDC base within the district.
Among the examples he cited was the awarding of one of the district’s biggest contracts – a 16-unit classroom block project – to persons affiliated with the party.
He further disclosed that during the Christmas festivities, he facilitated the distribution of bag of rice to about 1,161 branch executives through constituency executives to support party members across the district.
The DCE acknowledged that disagreements existed during the process leading to his nomination and confirmation as DCE, noting that some constituency executives openly supported another candidate for the position.
However, he emphasized that political differences should not destroy party unity, adding that “Even though you supported someone and that person did not get the position, we are still one and can still work together”.
Responding to concerns about the idle DRIP machines, Mr. Osman rejected suggestions that the equipment had been abandoned, disclosing that, the machines inherited from the previous administration required urgent servicing before they could be deployed for road works.
According to him, the district is currently facing serious Internally Generated Funds (IGF) challenges following the division of Fanteakwa into two separate districts, making it difficult to immediately finance repairs and maintenance.
He disclosed that letters had already been sent to contractors responsible for servicing the equipment, while interim measures had been introduced to address the worsening road conditions.
“In the meantime, we have collaborated with the Highways Department to reshape some of the deplorable roads within the district,” he explained.
On the controversial 24-hour economy market project, the DCE clarified that the original site proposed by traditional authorities failed to meet the technical requirements needed for the project.
He explained that a state-appointed consultant assessed the location and declared it unsuitable due to zoning limitations and lack of network connectivity.
According to him, a new site was subsequently selected after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including market women and community leaders.
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The post Fanteakwa North NDC executives petition Mahama over DCE’s conduct appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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