By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA
Accra, Jan. 30, GNA — The Zongo Intellectuals and Development (ZID) has called on the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to investigate and sanction individuals alleged to have breached established vetting protocols during a recent internal party process.
The call follows the circulation of an image on social media involving one of the party’s aspirants, Hajia Amina Adam, which ZID described as a violation of protocol and an affront to her dignity during a period of mourning.
In a statement issued and copied to the Ghana News Agency, ZID said while members of the media and general observers adhered strictly to the vetting guidelines, persons authorised to supervise and conduct the vetting process allegedly failed to enforce the same standards within the inner vetting room.
According to the group, it was “deeply distressing” that an image of Hajia Amina Adam was taken and shared on social media, exposing her to public ridicule at what it described as one of the most vulnerable moments of her life.
ZID noted that among all the aspirants present, only Hajia Amina Adam’s photograph was taken and circulated, an action the group said appeared deliberate.
“This act is not merely a breach of protocol; it is a profound violation of the dignity of a grieving woman and a disregard for the religious values held dear by the Zongo community and Muslims at large,” the statement said.
The group further expressed concern that the incident pointed to weaknesses in the administrative and security arrangements governing internal party elections.
ZID has therefore called on the NDC leadership to immediately identify and apply appropriate internal disciplinary measures against those responsible for the alleged breach.
It also urged the party to ensure that the supervision of upcoming primaries is conducted by individuals who respect diversity and the religious rights of all candidates, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting the dignity of party members, particularly those in mourning.
The group said politics should not override basic human empathy and appealed to both the party leadership and the general public to treat the matter with sensitivity and seriousness.
ZID also expressed solidarity with Hajia Amina Adam and women seeking to serve their communities while remaining steadfast in their faith.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Kenneth Odeng Adade