The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta Region of Ghana is grappling with internal dissent following the exclusion of a nominee from the Ho Central Constituency in President John Dramani Mahama’s ministerial appointments. This discontent manifested in a destructive act of protest on Tuesday night, as unidentified youth stormed and set ablaze the Ho Central Constituency office, causing significant damage to party property and disrupting public order. The incident highlights the challenges faced by the NDC in managing internal expectations and maintaining party unity in the wake of presidential appointments.
The incident unfolded between 8:00 and 9:00 PM on Tuesday, when a group of aggrieved youth, allegedly protesting the omission of their preferred candidate from the ministerial list, targeted the NDC’s Ho Central Constituency office located in the Ho Housing area. The youth, fueled by their perceived grievance, vandalized the office, destroying essential party property, including documents, furniture, and electrical appliances. The destruction escalated as the protestors took their demonstration to the streets, blocking the main road in front of the party office, burning tires, and creating a chaotic scene.
The swift response of the Ghana National Fire Service in Ho Central prevented further damage and brought the situation under control. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, mitigating the potential for further property loss and ensuring public safety. While the immediate threat was contained, the incident left behind a trail of destruction and exposed deep-seated tensions within the NDC’s Volta Regional branch.
The NDC Volta Regional Executives swiftly condemned the youth’s actions, labeling them “unprofessional and unnecessary.” Deputy Regional Communications Officer, Del-Bright Kugbadzor, expressed the party’s disapproval of the destructive protest, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue and adherence to established party procedures for addressing grievances. He assured party supporters that President Mahama’s appointment process was still ongoing, urging patience and restraint while the remaining positions were filled. He emphasized that the Volta Region was already well-represented in the government and called for unity and understanding within the party ranks.
The Regional Executives have summoned both the alleged perpetrators and the Ho Central Constituency Executives to investigate the incident thoroughly. This investigation aims to identify the individuals responsible for the destruction, determine the underlying causes of the protest, and take appropriate disciplinary action against those found culpable. The party’s commitment to accountability underscores its determination to uphold internal discipline and prevent future occurrences of such disruptive behavior.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance political parties must maintain between internal aspirations and overall party unity, particularly in the aftermath of significant political decisions like ministerial appointments. The NDC’s response, characterized by condemnation of the violence, a commitment to investigation, and a call for dialogue, reflects the party’s efforts to address the immediate crisis while working towards long-term solutions to prevent future internal conflicts. The incident also highlights the importance of effective communication and engagement with party members to manage expectations and ensure that grievances are addressed through appropriate channels. The NDC’s challenge now lies in effectively managing these internal tensions, fostering dialogue, and reaffirming party unity as it moves forward with its political agenda.
