Some concern youth groups of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Tamale metropolis have accused some regional executives and members of the regional vetting committee mandated to vet prospective candidates for the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) of bias in the ongoing selection process.
The groups including Azorka Boys, State House Group, 2-Y Yellow Yellow Drivers Group among others in press statement on Friday (January 31, 2025) said there is a deliberate attempt to exclude the names of Hon Abu Takoro, a former Presiding Member of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and Iddrisu Hardi Pagazaa, a senior NDC member in the region who is also a former assemblyman in the metropolis.
They said that their attention has been drawn to recent practices surrounding the vetting procedures which in their view lack the necessary transparency and accountability, raising alarm among the public and undermining trust in the process.
“Transparency in the selection process is not just a matter of ethical governance; it is a fundamental right of the citizens to understand how their leaders are chosen. A non-transparent vetting and selection process erodes public confidence and can lead to the appointment of individuals who may not represent the best interests of the community.
“We are suspecting a deliberate ploy to exclude the names of Hon. Abu Takoro and Hon. Iddrisu Hardi Pagazaa, who we are reliably informed perform creditably well during the vetting, from the shortlisted three” the groups asserted.
Below is full statement:
PRESS CONFERENCE BY CONCERN YOUTH GROUPS IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS ON THE ONGOING PROCESSES LEADING TO THE SELECTION OF A MAYOR FOR THE TAMALE METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY
Good morning ladies and gentlemen of the inky fraternity. We are grateful for honouring our invitation at a very short notice.
We are gathered here this morning to address a very pertinent issue regarding the ongoing selection process of a Metropolitan Chief Executive (Mayor) for the Tamale Metropolis. We are suspecting a deliberate ploy to exclude the names of Hon. Abu Takoro and Hon. Iddrisu Hardi Pagazaa, who we are reliably informed perform creditably well during the vetting, from the shortlisted three
It has come to our attention that recent practices surrounding the vetting procedures have lacked the necessary transparency and accountability, raising alarm among the public and undermining trust in the process.
Transparency in the selection process is not just a matter of ethical governance; it is a fundamental right of the citizens to understand how their leaders are chosen. A non-transparent vetting and selection process erodes public confidence and can lead to the appointment of individuals who may not represent the best interests of the community.
As the government of President of the Republic of Ghana His Excellency John Dramani Mahama takes shape, it was announced for interested persons to put in applications for the position of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives across the country.
All aspirants were directed to apply through their various constituencies within a stipulated time period.
In the case of the Northern Region and the Tamale Metropolis for that matter, applicants who initially submitted applications to the Regional Party Office were asked by the Regional Secretary Mohammed Abdul Salaam to send the applications to their respective constituencies. Ironically, some other applicants such as the Regional Communication Officer Mohammed Sulemana (Agitator) and the Regional Organizer Baba Zee, who never applied through their respective constituencies, Tamale South and Tamale Central respectively and outside the stipulated time frame found their way through vetting.
Amazingly, the Regional Organizer Baba Zee, an aspirant sat in as a panel for 15 districts being privy to all the questions asked and assessments by panel post vetting. All these breaches were ignored by the Regional Executives and other members of the vetting committee.
Despite all these breaches in connivance with some party leaders at the regional level, we are learning three names have been submitted to the presidency for further scrutiny without the knowledge of the vetting committee, the chairman of the regional council of elders and the applicants themselves.
We therefore are suspecting as foul play and a deliberate attempt to force a mayor on the people of Tamale without recourse to competence, experience and commitment to party. Our sources close to the vetting committee indicate, Hon. Abu Takoro, Hon. Iddrisu Hardi Pagazaa and two other aspirants topped the score card after the vetting
We believe that Hon. Abu Takoro and Hon. Iddrisu Hardi Pagazaa are carved for this job and we endorse any of the two for the position of Mayor of Tamale. This endorsement is based on their impressive track records, competence, experience, and maturity in leadership. They have been recognized for their dedication and sacrifices for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party. Their commitment to the party’s ideals and values has earned them the respect and admiration of the chiefs, opinion leaders and youth groups in Tamale.
We want to humbly appeal to the appointing authority and the party and sound the alarm bells that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) risks undermining its grassroots support and base if the government fails to appoint either of the two as the next Mayor of Tamale. These two individuals have proven themselves to be highly competent, experienced, and dedicated members of the NDC, making them ideal candidates for the position. It is worth noting that Hardi Pagazaa and Abu Takoro, both former Assembly Members, have been vocal about the party’s need to return to its core values and focus on strategic planning. Their insights and experiences would be invaluable in the role of Mayor
Their commitment to the party is unwavering, and their leadership skills and expertise would undoubtedly benefit the people of Tamale. By selecting either Hon. Abu Takoro or Hon. Iddrisu Hardi Pagazaa, the NDC would demonstrate its appreciation for loyalty and hard work, reinforcing its connection with its grassroots supporters
2-Y Yellow Yellow Drivers Group-0242867354
State House Group-0593196625
Digang Youth WAMALI-0554429220
Azorka Boys Lamashegu-0245123158
0242155445. Mr Suale, Shizobli bench Kukuo
0544010880. Kalariga pata 2 0248255371. Daasu Shishegu
