The New Era for Awutu Senya East Constituency (ASEC), a group within Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a strong condemnation of recent remarks made by the party’s Central Regional Chairman, Professor Richard Kofi Aseidu. Aseidu’s comments, made during a victory celebration for a newly elected NDC representative, admitted a bias towards certain candidates during the party’s primaries. The New Era for ASEC argues that this admission not only contravenes the NDC’s constitution, specifically Article 9 which mandates fairness and transparency in party activities, but also sows discord within the party ranks. They view Aseidu’s actions as a direct undermining of the unity that the party leadership, including figures like Majority Leader Ato Forson and President-Elect John Dramani Mahama, have consistently emphasized. The group has demanded a full apology from Aseidu to all NDC members in the constituency.
The central point of contention revolves around Aseidu’s open acknowledgement of favoritism during the primary elections. This admission, the New Era for ASEC contends, is a betrayal of the democratic principles enshrined in the NDC’s constitution and creates an environment of distrust within the party. Rather than acting as a unifying force, Aseidu’s behavior has allegedly exacerbated existing tensions. The group emphasizes the importance of impartiality, especially from leadership figures, to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and maintain the integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes. This incident is viewed as a serious breach of trust and a potential impediment to the party’s future success.
Adding to the controversy, Aseidu’s remarks were perceived as targeting perceived rivals within the party, further fueling division. The New Era for ASEC argues that this behavior runs counter to the calls for unity and reconciliation that have been repeatedly echoed by senior party figures. They point out that many members, despite personal grievances, had set aside their differences to support the party’s candidate during the main election, demonstrating a commitment to the collective good. Aseidu’s actions, they argue, undermine these efforts and risk fracturing the party at a time when unity is paramount.
The New Era for ASEC has invoked specific articles of the NDC constitution, particularly Articles 9 and 12, to underscore the importance of unity, transparency, and peaceful dispute resolution within the party. They argue that Aseidu’s conduct violates these principles and undermines the efforts of the national leadership to maintain cohesion. Furthermore, they express concern that Aseidu’s bias might extend to the upcoming appointment of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), compromising the fairness and integrity of the selection process.
The group’s demand for an unqualified apology from Aseidu is coupled with a call for the party leadership to intervene and caution him against further divisive actions. They also urge the leadership to ensure impartiality in the MCE appointment process. The New Era for ASEC emphasizes their commitment to the NDC’s core principles of development, social justice, and inclusivity, stressing that the party’s strength lies in its unity. They warn against actions that could compromise this foundational principle, urging all members to prioritize collective progress over individual interests.
Ultimately, the New Era for ASEC’s statement is a plea for unity and adherence to the party’s constitution. They view Aseidu’s actions as a threat to the party’s internal harmony and believe that his public admission of bias, along with his divisive rhetoric, undermines the collective efforts of party members. Their call for an apology and intervention from the party leadership reflects a desire to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and unity, principles they believe are essential for the NDC’s continued success. They urge a return to focus on shared goals and a commitment to the collective good, rather than individual ambitions or grievances.
