Kofi's open letter to Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah
Dear Chairman,
Firstly, I congratulate you on your party's emphatic victory in the 2024 elections.
I know for sure that you are very busy at this time trying to help His Excellency the President to form the government birthed by your party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
I however think it's equally important I write to you at this very moment; a time where there's mad rush for appointments from members of your party and some outsiders who are aggressively riding on the back of power brokers within the corridors of power to get appointment at the expense of the real soldiers of the struggle (branch executives).
As a student of political science, I am compelled to share my perspectives on the appointments brouhaha and to draw your attention to the dangers of neglecting the grassroot base of your party.
I hope you will take some time off your busy schedules to read this friendly letter for deeper reflection so far as the ongoing appointments are concerned.
*We’re not there yet; Stop fighting over positions in Mahama’s next govt – Asiedu Nketiah cautions NDC stalwarts*
The above story was done by one Franklin Asare-Donkoh of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in which you were reported to have said "Because we're convinced that we are there, a lot of people have begun taking positions and fighting over who will be what in the next government.
Some people are not only fighting about the positions they will occupy. They are telling all others that they will be the kingmarkers and they will be making appointments. If we're not careful, this will dampen the enthusiasm and spirit of our followers. I want to assure everybody that we're not there yet. Don't be fighting about positions, and don't be talking about who will make appointments. Let's all go for the hunting first, and when we kill the game, we can now argue about sharing the meat"
Chairman, you made those remarks during the formal presentation or outdooring of Prof. Naana Opoku Agyemang (now Vice President of the Republic) on Wednesday, April 24 at the Kofi Ohene Konadu Auditorium at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
While I commended you for that bold statement then, I am however disappointed about how the appointments are being made haphazardly and violently excluding party stalwarts, activists from the grassroots base and other allies of the struggle who sacrificed their all for the hard-fought victory.
In my honest view, if the appointments are not done satisfactorily and equitably, do not form any fact finding committee when you lose the election in 2028.
*Sideline of National Chairman from appointment:*
Sir, there are wild allegations of you being sidelined from appointment decisions and that your General Secretary's attempts to secure appointments for well-deserving party members were blocked by the powers that be at the presidency. Chairman, are these laughable claims or the blatant truth? If true, then who's calling the shot at the presidency?
*Oliver Barker-Vormawor's appointments for sale allegations:*
Mr. Chairman, as you may be aware, Ghanaian Lawyer and Anti-Corruption Crusader, Oliver Barker-Vormawor had alleged that ministerial appointees of the new administration were made to pay monies to secure appointments and subsequent approvals by the appointments Committee. How true could this be under your watch as the national chairman?
*The unanswered question of a brach executive:*
In a note to the President titled "Is That the End of the Branch Executives", one Solomon Yaw Amoah authored this emotional piece. He lamented how branch executives are often ignored after contributing handsomely to political victories in your party. I believe he spoke the mind of thousands of branch executives who helped to bring the NDC to power and his concerns must be addressed by leadership without delay.
*Kelvin Taylor's admonition against grassroots neglect:*
The advise by Kelvin Taylor against neglect of party members especially polling agents shouldn't be taken lightly by your leadership. He meant well I guess and his advise should be considered with the urgency it deserves.
*Dead silence on appointment concerns:*
Sir, I kindly crave your indulgence to speak to concerns being raised regarding the appointments. Your members need quick updates including what's going into the appointment. As the leader who took them to the battle field to kill the game, you cannot be silent when the meat is being denied some people especially the grassroot members of your party. Yes, members of your party cannot be left at the mercy of the weather when they needed you most. Chairman, please let your inspiring voice be heard now!
*Conclusion:*
In conclusion Mr. Chairman, the President's role in appointing is clearly spelt out in the 1992 constitution. The power and authority to appoint rests solely with the President no doubt. However in the exercise of his power and authority, he should be guided by your wise counsel to take into account the shared happiness of all party members and progressive forces who stood with him in the trenches in his quest for political power. He shouldn't forget about branch, constituency, regional and national executives who worked so hard to bring victory. He shouldn't forget about party directors at all levels of the structures. He shouldn't forget about former party executives and appointees at all levels who laid a solid foundation for this emphatic victory.
This is not time for father all. We saw from afar those who never gave up on the NDC when the center seems not to be holding. The 2024 victory indeed was not a walk in the park. The men and women who brought the NDC into government should not be sheepishly ignored.
Power indeed is transient and the legacy the President can leave with the NDC is to build a stronger party by working closely with leadership to strengthening the seemingly weak structures and empower party members to always stand with the party. Mr. President risks retiring with the NDC in 2028 if he refuses to listen to the voices of reason.
Mr. Chairman, your party paid dearly for neglecting the grassroots in 2016. It's not a price you can pay twice.
As such, I am calling on you to immediately intervene to ensure appointments being made are inclusive at all levels and reflects the aspirations of party members especially those at the grassroots base. That branch executive, constituency executive, regional executive, that election director among others should be catered for intentionally before issues get out of hand.
I thank you, Sir for your attention.
Sincerely Yours,
O. B Kofi
0503159535
Cc:
1. President, John Dramani Mahama
2. Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman
3. Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah
4. Executive Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama
5. General Secretary, Hon. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey
6. All 16 Regional Chairmen
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