, who are opposing the reported nomination of Esther Dwomoh as Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).){kind=link}
Tensions are running high in Asante Mampong following two days of intense protests by supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), who are opposing the reported nomination of Esther Dwomoh as Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).
The demonstrations, which took place on Wednesday and Thursday, saw irate youth storm the NDC constituency office, setting office furniture ablaze and vandalising property in protest against what they describe as an imposition by party leadership. Police and fire service personnel were deployed to the scene to bring the situation under control. No arrests have been reported.
The demonstrators insist that the MCE position should be given to one of three shortlisted candidates: Constituency Chairman Mohammed Kamil, 2024 parliamentary candidate Yakubu Issifu, or senior party member Imoro Iddrisu.
According to them, these individuals went through the proper vetting process and have the trust and support of the local party base. They argue that the emergence of Esther Dwomoh — a name not included in the original shortlist — as the preferred nominee is undemocratic and risks alienating the grassroots. Opposing the nominataion of Esther Dwomoh, some protesters lamented to President Mahama that they don’t want an Asante as their Municipal Chief Executive.
“We are ready to support any of the three persons vetted and shortlisted for the MCE position,” said Kwaku Bernasko, the NDC Communications Officer in Mampong. “But if any other person is imposed on us, it will create chaos. The party will be in disarray.”
The protestors, who have vowed to continue pressing their demands through peaceful means, have submitted a formal petition to NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah. They are urging him to intervene swiftly to prevent further unrest and safeguard party unity ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Party insiders say the MCE nomination process has been contentious in several districts, reflecting broader challenges in balancing national directives with local expectations.