The group wants calm within the NDC | File Photo
A group of National Democratic Congress (NDC) loyalists in the Tema East Constituency have appealed to former President John Dramani Mahama to remain focused in his bid to appoint a competent and grassroots-oriented individual as the next Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA).
At a press conference held in Tema, the group, made up largely of non-indigenes, expressed concern over reports that certain individuals, including Ebi Bright, were being considered for the position despite not participating in the official vetting process.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Secretary Torgbui Janoh Akplako emphasised the need for an MCE who understands the unique dynamics of the area and has strong grassroots connections.
“We, the non-indigenes in the Tema East Constituency, who constitute a significant proportion of the voter population, wish to make a passionate appeal to H.E. John Dramani Mahama to appoint an experienced, competent, and grassroots politician as the Mayor of Tema,” Akplako said.
He noted that the TMA comprises two constituencies—Tema East and Tema Central—and insisted that whoever is appointed must be familiar with all twenty-one electoral areas.
According to the group, any attempt to impose a candidate who bypassed official vetting procedures, or who is perceived to have gained favor solely due to proximity to party power brokers, would be detrimental to party unity and future electoral success.
“We vehemently oppose the underhanded attempts to impose Ebi Bright as the MCE of Tema, because she is not a grassroots person, and more so, did not subject herself to either of the two regional vetting processes conducted by the region,” Akplako declared.
The group further accused the Member of Parliament for Tema East, Hon. Isaac Ashai Odamtten, of allegedly inciting tribal sentiments by lobbying for an indigene to be appointed MCE—despite already holding the parliamentary seat himself.
“It would be politically appropriate to appoint a non-indigene as the Mayor of Tema. The MP is an indigene; therefore, in the spirit of balance and inclusion, the MCE position should go to a non-indigene,” the group argued.
They also criticized what they described as unequal distribution of leadership roles within Tema, listing institutions such as the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), TDC Company Ltd., and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) as being dominated by individuals from Tema Central.
Recounting their sacrifices and loyalty to the party, Akplako stated, “In 2019 and again in 2023, we mobilized our members to register and vote in Tema East. Two of our brothers even died in the process. We do all the hard work—even die in the process—but we don’t deserve appointments?”
The group stressed that their concerns are not ethnically motivated but rooted in a desire for fairness, party loyalty, and competence.
“We will not hide behind anyone to make tribally induced comments that undermine the authority of the President. We are simply appealing to His Excellency to listen to the concerns of the non-indigenes whose only hope lies in the appointment of a grassroots person who understands our plight and can relate to our struggles,” Akplako said.
They concluded their statement by reaffirming their commitment to the NDC’s founding principles of inclusivity and fairness, and appealed to Mahama to intervene in the matter in the interest of party unity and electoral success.
“Long live Tema East NDC,” the group chanted as the press conference ended.
