The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised a pressing issue with the Omanhene of Effutu Traditional, Neenyi Ghartey VII, regarding alleged misconduct by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Effutu Municipal and members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). The NDC believes that the actions taken by the MCE and NPP members could destabilize the constituency and lead to chaos. In a recent protest organized by the party, they articulated their grievances, accusing the MCE, Mr. Zubairu Kassim, of orchestrating the destruction of billboards promoting the NDC. This claim was emphasized by party secretary Mr. Abraham Henry Arthur, who stated that such acts of vandalism reflect deeper issues of political intolerance between the rival parties.
On the day of the protest, the NDC highlighted a specific incident that allegedly occurred on September 12, when the MCE led a group to dismantle NDC billboards in Ntakorfamu, citing purported violations related to permits. This incident is part of a larger pattern, as members of the NPP were also accused of taking similar actions by targeting billboards in various key locations, including significant points along the important Winneba-Accra highway and near the North Campus of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). The NDC views these actions as systematic harassment and intimidation, aimed at undermining their presence in the constituency.
The implications of these actions by the MCE and NPP extend beyond mere political rivalry; the NDC fears they may provoke retaliatory responses from their members, which could escalate tensions and potentially lead to conflict within Effutu. Mr. Arthur expressed his concerns regarding this cycle of retaliation, warning that continued misconduct could disrupt peace in the area. The NDC’s call for intervention by the Omanhene stems from a desire to mitigate these issues before they spiral further out of control.
In its petition, the NDC also raised concerns regarding discrepancies in the Effutu voters’ register, citing over 3,009 inconsistencies. This number indicates potential manipulation of the voter rolls, which could jeopardize the fairness of future elections. The party has called for an investigation into these discrepancies, emphasizing the need for transparency and integrity in the electoral process. Furthermore, the NDC asserts that there was an unauthorized leak of nomination forms for both their parliamentary candidate and an independent contender to the incumbent Member of Parliament.
The request for the Omanhene’s intervention also includes a demand for accountability from the MCE. The NDC is looking for direct action to address what they perceive as abuse of power by the local government and the ruling party. They hope that the traditional leader can mediate the situation, ensuring that all political parties can operate without fear of harassment or interference during their campaigns. Should the Omanhene fail to act, the NDC has warned that they would resort to other means to protect their interests.
Overall, the situation reflects a broader context of political strife in Ghana, where partisan actions can swiftly escalate into serious disputes. The NDC’s petition not only underscores immediate concerns regarding electoral fairness and political tolerance but also highlights the importance of traditional authorities in mediating conflicts between political parties. The outcome of this situation will hinge on the response of the Omanhene and the willingness of all parties involved to engage in dialogue and compromise to maintain peace in the Effutu constituency.
