The National Democratic Congress (NDC) finds itself in the throes of a political maelstrom, a chaos of its own making.Recent events, underscored by the arrest of Alhaji Abdul Hamid and the subsequent lockdown of the regional party office, expose a series of misguided decisions that have plunged the party into a deep crisis.
This narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a regional executive meeting gone awry, and a stark warning issued by seasoned voices, including Kwesi Pratt Jnr, that went unheeded.
The seeds of dissent were sown in January 2023 when the NDC, with a wanton disregard for caution, decided to overhaul its parliamentary leadership. The venerable Haruna Iddrisu, a figure of legendary popularity in Tamale, was unceremoniously ousted as Minority Leader and replaced by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
The decision sent shockwaves through the party, sparking protests and the prescient warnings of Kwesi Pratt Jnr, a veteran journalist and Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper.Kwesi Pratt’s counsel, delivered with the weight of experience, fell on deaf ears. He cautioned against the recklessness of touching a politically influential figure like Haruna Iddrisu without due consideration of the repercussions.
Pratt emphasized the admiration of Iddrisu in Tamale, urging the party to reflect on political circumstances and adhere to proper processes before making such momentous changes. Despite this sage advice, the NDC leadership pressed forward, wilfully ignoring the opportunity to avert the impending turmoil.Fast forward to January 2024, when the NDC convened a regional executive meeting at the Golden Dream Hotel in Tamale.Ostensibly aimed at fostering unity ahead of the 2024 general elections, the meeting instead unfolded as a spectacle of internal strife.
Tensions reached a boiling point over the removal of Haruna Iddrisu, unleashing chaos marked by accusations, counteraccusations, and a disturbing outbreak of violence that compelled the leadership of the party to hastily flee for safety.Hajia Shamima Yakubu, the Northern Regional Treasurer, found herself thrust into the centre of the chaos, enduring brutal beatings as the situation spiralled out of control.
Now, Alhaji Gbewaa stands accused of ruthlessly assaulting his colleague, leading to his arrest and subsequent agitations. As the National Democratic Congress (NDC) grapples with the dire consequences of its hubris, the stark reality of disregarding seasoned advice becomes painfully evident.
The party was presented with a clear opportunity to navigate away from the looming storm but chose instead to dismiss the warnings of sagacious voices.
