Members and branch executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Lower Manya Krobo Constituency have formally petitioned the party’s Eastern Regional Secretariat and Elections Directorate, requesting the replacement of the official overseeing the ongoing branch elections.
The petitioners have alleged procedural violations, including irregularities in the electoral process and perceived bias in supervision, which they contend could undermine confidence in the elections and exacerbate tensions within the constituency.
During a press briefing in Agomanya, Mr. Torkonoo Edem Luke, a member of the constituency communications team, presented the petition on behalf of the group, urging immediate intervention to protect the credibility and integrity of the party’s internal electoral process.
The group is specifically demanding the prompt replacement of Alhaji Sumaila Mahama, the official assigned by the Eastern Regional Secretariat to supervise the branch elections. They assert that he has not adequately enforced party election guidelines, leading to procedural irregularities during the electoral exercise.
According to the petitioners, the alleged violations include the improper composition of election committees, the participation of ineligible candidates, and unauthorized modifications to branch voter registers.
Furthermore, they claim that members who expressed concerns about the process have faced intimidation and threats, characterizing such behavior as inconsistent with the democratic principles that underpin the party’s internal elections.
The group also contends that the supervisor’s actions have fostered perceptions of bias among certain aspirants and contributed to escalating tensions in several branches, thereby diminishing confidence in the electoral process and jeopardizing party unity within the constituency.
Citing an incident at the Lacky Day One and Lacky Day Two branches on June 30, 2026, the petitioners reported that disputes regarding the eligibility of a Women’s Organiser aspirant disrupted the elections. They argued that the supervisor’s insistence on proceeding with the position unopposed heightened tensions and exacerbated disagreements among members.
Consequently, they have called for the suspension of the ongoing branch elections, a formal investigation into the allegations, and the appointment of a neutral supervisor to restore confidence in the process. The group has also urged party leadership to assure members that grievances can be reported without fear of intimidation or victimization.
In response to the allegations, Alhaji Mahama has rejected the claims, asserting that all actions taken during the elections were in accordance with NDC rules and established procedures.
He explained that at the Odumase Presbyterian election center, concerns were raised regarding the eligibility of an aspirant, prompting the supervisory team to request the relevant register and supporting documents for verification. He noted that the complainant was unable to provide the requested records at that time.
Alhaji Mahama stated that the matter was subsequently discussed with representatives from the constituency, regional, and national election committees to ensure adherence to party procedures. He added that the complainant left the venue before the issue could be fully resolved.
Regarding the Ato-Tsunya branch elections, he indicated that a Women’s Organiser aspirant had filed a petition against her opponent, which was also submitted to constituency, regional, and national executives. He explained that since the matter was already under review by higher party authorities, the supervisory team withheld only the contested position while permitting elections for the remaining positions to proceed with the consent of the present committees.
Alhaji Mahama further alleged that during a swearing-in ceremony, individuals not affiliated with the branch attempted to disrupt proceedings by demanding the inclusion of the withheld position, despite the pending petition. He characterized this incident as interference in the electoral process.
He maintained that all duly elected officers remain validly elected and insisted that the elections were conducted freely, fairly, and in accordance with party regulations. He dismissed calls for his removal as unfounded and driven by personal interests, urging members to utilize the party’s established dispute-resolution mechanisms.
As of the time of this report, the Eastern Regional Secretariat had not officially responded to the petition or the counterclaims, as disagreements regarding the conduct of the branch elections continue to persist within the constituency.
Tag:Lower Manya Krobo
