The Concerned Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Atiwa East Constituency have voiced their vehement opposition to the potential appointment of Hon. Ernest Owusu Ntim, the current Constituency Chairman, as the District Chief Executive (DCE). They have formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama and other relevant appointing authorities within the party, urging them to reject any consideration of Mr. Ntim for the position. The elders argue that Mr. Ntim’s performance as Constituency Chairman since 2014 has been deeply unsatisfactory, leading to detrimental consequences for party unity, membership, and overall electoral performance. They believe his leadership style and lack of accountability make him unsuitable for the role of DCE.
At the heart of the elders’ concerns is Mr. Ntim’s alleged authoritarian leadership style and his treatment of party members. The petition, submitted on April 4, 2025, and presented by Mr. Edmund Bonsu, the NDC branch chairman for Akyem Anyinam and spokesperson for the concerned elders, accuses Mr. Ntim of wielding his authority in a manner that has created divisions within the party. They allege he has consistently displayed disrespectful and irrational behavior towards senior party members, former executives, and anyone who criticizes his leadership. This includes all parliamentary candidates who have represented the party since 2014. The elders claim this behavior has fostered an environment of fear and stifled open communication within the constituency.
Furthermore, the petition highlights Mr. Ntim’s alleged lack of accountability and transparency in his management of party affairs. The elders contend that he has actively hindered participatory democracy within the constituency, limiting the involvement of members in decision-making processes. This, they argue, has negatively impacted the party’s ability to connect with the electorate and has contributed to declining electoral fortunes. They see this lack of accountability as a serious flaw that disqualifies him from holding the position of DCE, which demands a high level of responsibility and transparency in managing public resources and serving the community.
The elders’ concerns extend beyond mere leadership style and encompass the broader impact of Mr. Ntim’s chairmanship on the party’s overall health. They believe his actions have eroded trust among party members, contributing to declining membership and weakening the party’s cohesion. They argue that appointing him as DCE would further exacerbate these issues, potentially leading to even greater divisions and further weakening the party’s position within the district. The elders see the potential appointment as a betrayal of the party’s values and a disservice to the people of Atiwa East.
The petition emphasizes the importance of appointing a DCE who can unite the party, foster inclusivity, and effectively represent the interests of the constituency. The elders believe Mr. Ntim’s track record demonstrates a clear inability to fulfill these crucial requirements. They argue that promoting him to DCE would not only reward his detrimental behavior but also send a damaging message to the party base and the wider community about the NDC’s commitment to good governance and accountability. They urge the appointing authorities to consider these concerns seriously and choose a candidate who possesses the integrity, leadership skills, and commitment to serve the people of Atiwa East effectively.
In conclusion, the Concerned Elders of the NDC in the Atiwa East Constituency have made a strong case against the appointment of Hon. Ernest Owusu Ntim as DCE. Their petition outlines serious concerns about his leadership style, lack of accountability, and the negative impact his chairmanship has had on the party. They believe appointing him to such a critical position would be detrimental to the NDC’s interests and the well-being of the Atiwa East District. The elders’ plea to President Mahama and the appointing authorities is a call for responsible leadership selection, prioritizing the party’s unity and the needs of the community over individual ambitions. They hope their concerns will be heeded, leading to the appointment of a DCE who can truly represent the values and aspirations of the people of Atiwa East.
