On Tuesday, January 21, 2025 it was reported that some supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bole, the Savannah Region, accused President John Dramani Mahama of neglecting the Bole-Bamboi Member of Parliament, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana in his ministerial appointments.
In response to what they perceive as a snub, party supporters gathered outside President Mahama’s father’s residence in Bole, where they burnt car tires to express their dissatisfaction about the situation.
The supporters argued that Alhaji Yusif Sulemana has worked tirelessly to ensure President Mahama’s significant victory in the constituency and, therefore, deserves recognition and reward for his efforts.
The Bole Municipal Police Command quickly deployed personnel to key locations in the area to prevent any potential disturbances.
In a related development,some unidentified individuals have been reported to have vandalised and set ablaze the National Democratic Congress (NDC) office in Ho.The blaze destroyed essential equipment, including computers, fans, photocopiers, and crucial documents.
The Ghana National Fire Service responded promptly, managing to extinguish the fire and prevent further damage. Preliminary reports suggest that the attack may have been a reaction to President John Dramani Mahama’s recent ministerial appointments, which did not include a representative from Ho Central. This omission reportedly sparked discontent among some individuals.
The Chronicle strongly condemns these actions from party members. The good people of the Bole-Bamboi area must rather be glad that they have been able to produce the number one gentleman of the land and, therefore, missing out on a ministerial position should not lead to the destruction of properties that we witnessed.
The president, according to his campaign promise, can only select 60 ministers and it is clear that not every ethnic area would be covered. The Chronicle would advice that since the president will in future reshuffle his ministers, there will always be the opportunity for other persons from other ethnic groupings to take their turn in the government of the day.
These acts are totally uncalled for and wrong. This incident raises pertinent questions about our democracy. Whilstparty supporters have every right to express their concerns, their methods must remain within the bounds of legality and decorum. The use of violence and destruction undermines not only their grievances, but also the democratic principles upon which their party stands.
It is important for party supporters to understand that no one person’s appointment is a guarantee, regardless of their loyalty or contributions to political parties. Rather, they should be based on a candidate’s competence, experience and capacity to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The vandalisation of the properties might also mean that there is a gap in communication between the party leadership and its grassroots. If party structures were effectively educating supporters on the processes and priorities of governance, such misunderstandings might have been avoided. It is essential for party executives to engage their members regularly, explaining the rationale behind appointments and the broader objectives of the party.
Law enforcement agencies, whilst being commended for their swift response, must ensure accountability for any acts of vandalism. The rule of law must prevail to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and to send a clear message that lawlessness has no place in the country political landscape.
