The group claims that the district is in dire need of a competent and unifying leader
Correspondence from Ashanti Region
Tensions are rising in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region as a group identifying themselves as the “Young Cadres” of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) threatens mass demonstrations and resignations if their preferred candidate, Sakina Oforiwaa, is not appointed District Chief Executive (DCE).
The group claims that the district is in dire need of a competent and unifying leader, and they believe Oforiwaa is the best candidate for the job. They are demanding that President John Dramani Mahama and the Appointments Committee immediately name her as DCE or risk losing a significant portion of the NDC’s grassroots support in the constituency.
“You either appoint Sakina as DCE or risk massive demonstrations and mass resignations. She is the best choice and the preferred candidate of the people,” declared Isaac Ampaabeng, Communications Director of the Young Cadres in the constituency, during a press conference held in Anyinamso No. 2.
Ampaabeng emphasised that the district is lagging behind in development and needs a leader who is unifying, competent, hardworking, dedicated, approachable, experienced, and well-qualified.
He added that without Sakina Oforiwaa’s support in the past, the party would have struggled to obtain crucial supplies such as posters and logistical encouragement.
Richard Dapaah, Coordinator of the Young Cadres in Atwima Mponua, dismissed concerns about a conflict of interest due to Oforiwaa’s husband being a constituency chairman.
He also refuted allegations that her husband is involved in illegal mining (galamsey), calling such claims “childish propaganda” aimed at undermining her candidacy.
“We need competence and nothing else,” Dapaah asserted. “That’s why we are urging the President and the Appointments Committee to appoint Mrs. Sakina. They can even conduct an underground investigation to determine who the preferred candidate of the people is. Everyone would point to her. Both NPP and NDC members are now yearning for her appointment as DCE.”
Kwabena Darko, Operations Director of the Young Cadres, blamed the delay in the DCE appointment on “propaganda and selfish interests” within the district. He called on President Mahama to expedite the appointment process and select a unifying figure like Oforiwaa.
The group further appealed to the President, citing his prior commitment to increasing female representation in government. They described Sakina Oforiwaa as a bridge-builder who appeals to both NDC and NPP supporters.
Among the achievements they attributed to her were:
Providing financial and material support to both the community and the NDC
Donating over 30 motorbikes to the assembly two years ago
Supporting elections by providing food and ingredients to polling agents and voters without discrimination
They also praised her approachability, calling her “a mother to all.”
This latest demand follows a similar petition by over 35 assembly members who also appealed to the President to appoint Sakina Oforiwaa as DCE.
According to the Young Cadres, Atwima Mponua can only progress under a competent and unifying leader, qualities they unanimously believe Oforiwaa possesses.
