By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (VR), Jan. 31, GNA- Some National Democratic Congress (NDC) party supporters in the Keta constituency of the Volta Region, have expressed divergence views on the party’s recent election pronouncements, with some welcoming the move and others expressing skepticism.
Mr Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the Party’s General Secretary, had announced that all party members holding government positions, who intended to contest the party’s impending positions must resign from their roles.
The affected positions included ministers, deputy ministers, chief executive officers, managing directors, and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), but chairpersons or members of boards were exempted from the restriction, as they were not considered full-time employees.
Mr John Freeman Gaglo, NDC supporter at Vui, a suburb of Keta, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, argued that the move promotes fairness and levels the playing ground for all aspirants.
“For me, l think the call is in the right direction and it is timely too, l strongly believe that. On the other hand, some people will think the move may disenfranchise potential candidates and undermine the party’s internal democracy, but that is not the case,” he said.
He explained that Mr Kwetey’s emphasis on the fact that the NDC was a big party and could not continue to have people holding positions in both government and the party, was a laudable idea and should be given maximum support.
He said that the party has enough qualified people and the decision aimed to ensure fairness and integrity in the internal electoral process for the development of both the party and the nation at large.
“I believe the directive from the party is part of efforts to reorganise structures and strengthen internal democracy as it prepares for the next general elections.
What we need to do now as supporters of NDC is to remain calm and focus on the party’s objectives and priority areas to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election process ahead.”
Madam Dzifa Dovlo, another party supporter said that NDC has further announced guidelines and timetables for the upcoming internal elections, with specific deadlines for different levels of contest and those intending to contest at the constituency level should resign by April, regional level by May, and national level by June 2026.
She said that the ability of the party to navigate its internal elections would be a key test of the strengths and resilience and expressed hope that the party would emerge stronger and more united after the elections to win the 2028 general elections.
Meanwhile, Mr Fifi Kwetey’s statement has sparked a debate within the party at Keta, with some arguing that the stance was too rigid and may limit the talent pool available to the party, while others also believed it was a necessary step to ensure a fair and democratic process within the NDC as a party.
The NDC’s internal elections have been described as crucial step towards the 2028 general elections, and supporters are eager to see a peaceful and democratic process.
The NDC has also slated December 19, for its internal elections.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Christabel Addo