A coalition of youth activists and grassroots members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Okaikwei Central has issued a terse warning to President John Dramani Mahama and the party’s national leadership to nominate Abdul-Rashid Issah as the next Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Okaikoi North Municipality.
The group decried what they called years of political neglect and marginalization of the Okaikoi Central Constituency, noting that no MCE has ever been appointed from the area despite its loyalty and contributions to the party.
“This historical injustice has left our people disillusioned. Many of our comrades have been injured, disabled, or even lost their lives in service to the party—and yet, our sacrifices continue to go unrecognized,” the petition stated.
The group, at a press conference held in New Fadama on Sunday, April 13, rallied behind Abdul-Rashid Issah, a two-time parliamentary candidate and a respected figure among party grassroots, describing him as the only legitimate choice to lead the municipality.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Abass Hussein, Chairman of the Abubakar Sadiq Branch in Abeka, emphasized the constituency’s strategic and symbolic significance, being the home of Ghana’s two most prominent Muslim clerics—Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu and Sheikh Umar Ibrahim.
“Rashid Issah has never betrayed the NDC, never sought personal gain over the party’s interest. His loyalty and work on the ground speak for themselves. If the leadership sidelines him in favour of an outsider, it will be seen as a betrayal of our efforts,” Hussein said.
The group warned that imposing a candidate without roots in the constituency could fracture the party’s base and dampen momentum ahead of the next elections.
“This is a make-or-break moment. Appointing Rashid will strengthen us. Ignoring him will weaken us,” the petition stressed.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com