Tensions have erupted within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Asawase Constituency following the appointment of Ben Abdallah Alhassan as the new Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Asokore Mampong Municipality.
While some members of the party have welcomed the appointment, others, identifying themselves as aggrieved NDC grassroots in the constituency, have publicly rejected the nomination.
Ben Abdallah Alhassan, who currently serves as the party’s Election and Research Director in the Asawase Constituency, was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, May 6. The appointment has sparked controversy, with divisions brewing even before the official announcement.
One faction supported Faisal Dauda, the current Constituency Chairman, for the position of MCE, while another backed Alhassan, who is said to have the support of the Asawase Member of Parliament.
On May 7, members of the aggrieved faction held a press conference to voice their discontent with the President’s decision. Suleiman Massawud, speaking on behalf of the group, made it clear that their protest was not about violence but about seeking fair treatment for the party’s grassroots members.
“We are not here because of violence; we are here to explain why we believe the chairman deserves the MCE position,” Massawud said. “The chairman has served this constituency diligently, rising from the position of treasurer without any controversy. By choosing Ben Abdallah over Faisal Dauda, it sends a message that the party does not value its grassroots members. If the chairman can be treated this way, what hope do the ordinary members have?”
Meanwhile, other constituency executives have rallied behind President Mahama’s choice, emphasizing the need for party unity and expressing confidence in Alhassan’s leadership. They praised the President for making a forward-thinking decision that they believe will bring positive change to the municipality.
“We are here to express our sincere gratitude to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama for his visionary leadership in appointing Ben Abdallah as MCE,” one executive stated. “This appointment reflects President Mahama’s commitment to inclusive governance and his determination to empower leaders who are capable of fostering development in our communities.”
