Appointments based on competence, not ethnicity – Asiedu Nketiah

The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has reaffirmed that appointments made by the John Dramani Mahama administration are strictly based on competence and national interest, dismissing accusations of ethnic bias.

Mr. Asiedu Nketiah addressed critics, particularly from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), who have accused the NDC of sidelining Ashantis in recent District Chief Executive (DCE) appointments in favour of individuals from northern Ghana.

Speaking during the second leg of his “Thank You Tour” in Asawase, Ashanti Region, on Tuesday, the NDC Chairman argued that such criticisms were contradictory and misplaced. He maintained that the party’s governance philosophy is rooted in inclusiveness, merit, and equal opportunity for all Ghanaians, irrespective of their ethnic background or place of origin.

“The NDC does not differentiate between citizens, whether they are from northern or southern Ghana. All appointees are first and foremost Ghanaians,” Mr. Asiedu Nketiah stated. He stressed that excluding qualified individuals from public office simply because they are not indigenous to a particular region would be discriminatory.

He contrasted the NDC’s approach with what he described as past practices of their political opponents, where non-indigenes active in local politics were allegedly sidelined in favour of ethnically aligned candidates after electoral victories.

The NDC Chairman also questioned the consistency of the opposition’s stance, noting that some of the same critics now objecting to northern appointees in the Ashanti Region had previously promoted candidates from northern Ghana for the nation’s highest office.

Performance and Accountability

Mr. Asiedu Nketiah further explained that the government’s approach is anchored on performance and accountability. He noted that appointees who deliver on their mandates are retained, while those who fail to meet expectations are removed, regardless of their ethnic background.

“This demonstrates the party’s commitment to good governance rather than identity politics,” he said.

While acknowledging concerns from some supporters about the pace of direct economic relief, he urged patience. He explained that the administration’s immediate priority has been to stabilise the national economy and rebuild key sectors after inheriting a difficult situation.

Electoral Gains in Ashanti Region

The NDC Chairman also highlighted the party’s unprecedented electoral performance in the Ashanti Region during the 2024 general elections. He credited the gains to the efforts of grass-roots members and a restructured campaign strategy that strengthened monitoring at polling stations.

He expressed appreciation to party supporters in Asawase and across the region for their loyalty, assuring them that the NDC would continue to prioritise inclusive governance and development across all parts of the country.

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