The Asante Mampong Constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region witnessed a turbulent scene on Thursday, April 10, as disgruntled party supporters staged a violent protest at the party’s office. Fueled by unconfirmed rumors regarding the nomination for the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) position, the aggrieved youth vandalized property and set items ablaze outside the premises. The core of their discontent stemmed from the purported nomination of Esther Dwomoh, a choice that sparked outrage among the supporters who believed the position should be filled by one of their preferred candidates. The lack of official communication from the Presidency regarding the nomination only served to exacerbate the situation, adding fuel to the already simmering fire of discontent.
The protesting youth argued that three individuals – Yakubu Yakubu, the 2024 Parliamentary Candidate; Mohammed Kamil, the current Constituency Chairman; and Imoro Iddrisu – had been shortlisted after a vetting process. They vehemently insisted that the MCE position should be awarded to one of these individuals, whom they deemed more suitable and deserving. The nomination of Esther Dwomoh, seemingly out of the blue and without any apparent consultation or consideration for the shortlisted candidates, was perceived as a betrayal and a disregard for the party’s internal processes. This perceived slight ignited a wave of anger and frustration among the supporters, culminating in the destructive protest at the party office.
The scene at the NDC office descended into chaos as the agitated youth vented their frustration. Furniture, including chairs and tables, were smashed and then set alight in the forecourt of the building. This act of vandalism underscored the depth of their anger and the seriousness with which they viewed the perceived injustice. The chaotic scene prompted the deployment of police officers to restore order and contain the situation. However, despite their presence, no arrests were made at the time of the incident. Fire officers were also dispatched to extinguish the flames and prevent further damage to the property.
Kwaku Bernasko, the Asante Mampong Constituency Communications Officer for the NDC, confirmed the incident, providing insight into the sequence of events that led to the unrest. He corroborated the youth’s claims that the protest stemmed from the circulating rumor regarding Esther Dwomoh’s nomination for the MCE position. Bernasko explained that the youth had descended upon the party office to express their displeasure to the party executives present. However, the situation quickly spiraled out of control, overwhelming the executives’ ability to manage the growing crowd and prevent the subsequent acts of vandalism.
The incident at the Asante Mampong NDC office highlights the internal tensions and factionalism that can emerge within political parties, particularly during the selection and appointment processes for key positions. The youth’s actions, though destructive and regrettable, underscore the importance of transparency and communication within party structures. The lack of official confirmation regarding the MCE nomination, combined with the perceived bypassing of the shortlisted candidates, created a breeding ground for speculation and mistrust. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting internal party dynamics and failing to address the concerns of grassroots supporters.
Moving forward, the NDC faces the challenge of addressing the fallout from this incident and mending the rift within the Asante Mampong Constituency. Open communication and a clear explanation regarding the MCE nomination process are crucial to rebuilding trust and restoring unity. The party must also address the underlying concerns that led to the protest, including the perceived marginalization of certain factions within the constituency. Failure to do so could further exacerbate existing tensions and potentially jeopardize the party’s prospects in the upcoming 2024 elections. This incident presents an opportunity for the NDC to learn from its mistakes and strengthen its internal processes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
